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A Survey on the Quality ofLife in Massachusetts

INTRODUCTIONThe MassINC Quality of Life Survey is a snapshot of Massachusetts taken during a critical period

for the state. As policymakers, business and community leaders, and individual families grapple with

the effects of a recessionary economy, this thousand-person survey offers a rare look at what aspects

of Massachusetts life are working and not working—and for whom—at this moment in time.

The story is one of satisfaction tempered by serious concerns, but it is also a complex, multi-

layered narrative that weaves together two distinct sets of data. The first is people’s perceptions of

Massachusetts as a livable community. What big-picture issues do citizens think the state needs to

address in order to enhance its overall quality of life? The second focuses on the well being of indi-

vidual families. What are the personal concerns that shape individual perceptions of how their

own lives are going? Key issues and priorities emerge from both sets of data that are instructive

for state leaders in every sector.

In the broadest sense, families hold a positive view of the Bay State’s quality of life, and they

register even greater satisfaction with their own personal living situation. They give high marks

to their local schools, their jobs, and the balance they’re striking between work and family. They

express confidence in public institutions and local businesses. And they feel safe in their homes

and in their neighborhoods.

At the same time, a closer look reveals disaffection. There is vulnerability beneath the surface

as evidenced by the desire for change in a number of policy areas. Citizens have a long list of major

improvements for state leaders to address. On these issues—including housing, health care, traffic,

and taxes—there is remarkable consensus across socioeconomic lines.

At the most personal level, financial pressures are generating the greatest anxiety for Bay State

families. Many report living close to the financial edge, and they feel strongly that the tax burden

remains too high for the average family. The ability to afford a home is of particular concern to young

people and those who moved here within the last decade. A quarter of current residents express

a desire to leave Massachusetts, citing the need to relocate to a state with a lower cost of living.

The depth and breadth of the data offer a wealth of information—contrasts, confirmations,

and contradictions. Some of the key findings include:

� Seventy-one percent of Massachusetts citizens rate the quality of life in the Commonwealth

as good to excellent (29% excellent/very good, 42% good), while only about three in 10

(28%) rate it fair to poor.

� Eighty-two percent feel the quality of life has stayed the same (44%) or gotten worse (38%)

over the last five years. Only 15% believe it has improved.

� One-quarter of respondents would move out of Massachusetts if given the opportunity.

� Residents are specific with their criticisms. Of the 14 areas they were asked to rate in the survey,

majorities saw the need for either major or some improvement in 12 of them.

Table 1A: The Top Five Policy Areas Rated in Need of Major Improvement

The availability of affordable housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54%

The roads and traffic situation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50%

The way the health care system is working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49%

The affordability of college education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48%

The amount of taxes an average family has to pay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47%

4 The Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

I. STATE OF THE STATE: Perceptions of the Quality of Life in Massachusetts

Most people who live in Massachusetts feel good about their state as a place to live, and wouldn’t

want to live anywhere else. In the public’s view, the change of seasons, proximity to the beaches

and mountains, and closeness to family and friends are among the state’s strongest attributes. But

Massachusetts is far from Utopia. Lack of affordable housing, increasing traffic congestion on the

roads, and inadequate health care are some of the citizens’ most common criticisms of life in the

Commonwealth. Those with the harshest views of the status quo would add worries about crime,

lack of good-paying jobs, perceived failings of the political system and high taxes to their list of

what needs fixing in Massachusetts.

On the surface, public opinion of the state of the state is quite positive. Seven in 10 (71%) Massa-

chusetts residents rate the overall quality of life as good to excellent, while only about three in 10

(28%) say it is fair or poor. The large majority of state residents judge the overall quality of life in

Massachusetts to be about the same (52%), or better (25%) than it is in other New England states.

When comparing Massachusetts with other parts of the country outside New England, state res-

idents are even more positive in their evaluations—twice as many say that life is better in the Bay

State than say it is worse (35% vs. 17%).

Beneath these overall ratings, however, the survey reveals undercurrents of disaffection:

� There is widespread sentiment that things are not going as well today as they were in the late

1990s. Thirty-eight percent of Massachusetts residents think the quality of life has deterio-

rated over the past five years, more than double the number who think life has improved

(15%).

� State residents less likely to have shared in the benefits of the technology-driven boom of

the late 1990s—such as lower income families, minorities, and those living in western

Massachusetts—are much more negative about the state of the state.

� When state residents are asked to rate specific aspects of life in the state, they find much to

criticize. Of the 14 specific areas they were asked to rate in the survey, majorities of Massa-

chusetts residents see a need for improvement in 12 of them. Only airport access and the

availability of arts, cultural, and recreational activities are judged to be satisfactory or better

as things now stand.

GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS IN QUALITY OF LIFE RATINGSIn three of the four regions of the state, overall ratings of the quality of life basically mirror the

statewide results. Western Massachusetts, however, the region that is most associated with the “old

economy,” stands out as different. Here, the populace is consid-

erably less happy with the current conditions. Thirty-nine per-

cent of the residents of western Massachusetts rate the quality

of life in their home state as fair or poor, significantly greater

than the 24 percent who say the quality of life is excellent or

very good.

Significant differences in quality of life ratings are also found

by community size. Those living in urban communities across

the state are less pleased with the quality of life than those living

in the suburbs.


TABLE 1B: Quality of Life in Massachusetts by Geography Percent Saying… Exc./V. Good Good Fair/Poor (N)

TOTAL MASS. RESIDENTS 29 42 28 1,001

REGION

Greater Boston 30 43 26 552Southeastern Mass. 29 38 30 140Central Mass. 29 43 27 146Western Mass. 24 35 39 163

COMMUNITY SIZE

Urban 24 41 33 347Suburban 31 42 26 639

DEMOGRAPHIC PATTERNS IN QUALITY OF LIFE RATINGSEven more prominent than the regional differences in perceived

quality of life are the differences by socioeconomic status (SES).

Subgroups at the upper end of the SES scale are most likely to

rate conditions as very good to excellent, including those with

household incomes of $100,000 or more (47%), those who iden-

tify themselves as upper middle class or wealthy (45%), and

those with at least a four-year college degree (39%). In contrast,

the demographic opposites of these subgroups are more likely

to rate the quality of life as fair or poor, including those with

household incomes of $25,000 or less (42%), those who identify

themselves as working class or poor (43%), and those with no

more than a high school education (38%). Racial and ethnic

minorities also have a much more negative perspective on the

quality of life than whites.

Age differences in perceived quality of life, however, are not

statistically significant. In fact the ratings of those at the two

extremes of the age distribution—young adults aged 18 to 29

and seniors aged 65 and older—are very similar.

EVALUATION OF SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF LIFE INMASSACHUSETTSIn response to detailed questioning about factors that contribute

to the quality of life in Massachusetts, five areas emerge as most

in need of improvement in the estimation of the public as a whole.

Roughly half of state residents believe that major improvements

are needed in the areas of affordable housing (54%), roads and

traffic (50%), the health care system (49%), the cost of a college

education (48%), and the tax burden for an average family (47%).

Each of these top five areas is a source of particular displeasure

for a different segment of the state’s population:

• The effects of high housing costs are felt most by newcomers. Sixty-nine percent of those who

have lived in Massachusetts for 10 years or less see a need for major improvement in the afford-

ability of housing.

• The roads and traffic situation causes the most consternation among Boston city residents,

who are still a year away from the projected completion date of the Big Dig. Sixty-four per-

cent of those living in urban Suffolk County call for major improvement in this area.

• Those aged 50 to 64, the pre-Medicare age group, are most likely to be unhappy with a health

care system that often allows people their age to fall between the cracks. Sixty-two percent of

those aged 50 to 64 call for major improvement in this area.

• As college tuition prices continue to escalate, Massachusetts residents with children under 18

are most worried about the affordability of a college education. Fifty-seven percent of parents

with children under 18 call for major improvement in this area.

• The opinion that average families need major tax relief is most commonly held by minorities (57%),

working mothers (57%), and those who identify themselves as working class or poor (54%).

The Pursuit of Happiness: A Survey on the Quality of Life in Massachusetts 17

TABLE 2B: Quality of Life in Massachusetts by Key DemographicsPercent Saying… Exc./V. Good Good Fair/Poor (N)

TOTAL MASS. RESIDENTS 29 42 28 1,001

AGE

18-29 29 43 28 15730-49 28 43 28 44150-64 32 38 28 24265 and older 25 42 30 144

EDUCATION

Total no college 20 41 38 347Some college 32 41 25 195College graduates 39 42 18 455

ANNUAL INCOME

$25,000 or less 16 40 42 132$25,000 - $60,000 26 41 31 355$60,000 - $100,000 35 46 19 249$100,000 or more 47 35 18 142

RACE

Non-Hispanic white 32 41 26 851Total non-white 14 46 40 95

SELF-REPORTED CLASS

Upper class 45 38 16 155Middle class 38 43 18 464Working class/Poor 14 41 43 362

TOP AREAS THAT NEED MAJOR IMPROVEMENT

Availability of affordable housing 54%Roads and traffic situation 50%The way the health care system is working 49%Affordability of college education 48%Amount of taxes an average family has to pay 47%

Some differences in opinion about the five top areas for improvement are found by party iden-

tification. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to feel major improvement is needed in all

of these areas except taxes. Political Independents share Democrats’ higher level of concern about

the cost of housing, the roads and traffic, the affordability of college, and the state of health care. On

the issue of taxes, Republicans are only marginally more likely than Democrats and Independents

to think major improvement is needed to ease the tax burden for the average family.

In three other areas, smaller—but still sizable—numbers of Massachusetts residents see a need

for major improvements. These are the political system (42%), the availability of social services (39%),

and the availability of good-paying jobs (38%). All three of these concerns are more strongly felt

by those who see themselves as working class or poor. Concern about lack of good-paying jobs is also

significantly higher in Southeastern Massachusetts (50% needs major improvement) and Western

Massachusetts (47%) than it is in Greater Boston (35%) and the central part of the state (33%).

Four other areas of concern are consistent with the kinds of issues that register in the second tier

of voter concerns at the national level—crime, race relations, the quality of the environment, and

K-12 education. In each of these areas, Massachusetts residents tend to think some improvement

is needed, but not major improvement. Dissatisfaction with K-12 education, race relations, and the

quality of the environment are highest in the City of Boston. Parents of school-age children do

not differ significantly from the total public in their views on the status of K-12 education.

As noted previously, there are only two areas in which less than a majority feel at least some

improvement is needed. A majority (55%) of state residents give the state a satisfactory or better

grade for the availability of arts, cultural and recreational activities. About half (48%) see no need

for improvement in the area of airport access.

FACTORS MOST CLOSELY CONNECTED TO DISSATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY OF LIFE State residents who are most displeased with the overall quality of life in Massachusetts, i.e., those

who rate it as fair or poor, are more negative in their evaluations of practically every factor that

might affect living conditions. Nonetheless, when compared with their opposite numbers—those

who see the quality of life as very good or excellent—certain distinguishing characteristics emerge

in survey analysis. The following specific attitudes are most strongly associated overall with those

who give the quality of life in Massachusetts a negative rating:

� Worries about crime. Forty-six percent of those who think the quality of life is fair or poor

think the crime situation needs major improvement, compared with 13 percent of those who

think it is very good or excellent (+33).

� Concern about a lack of good-paying jobs. Fifty-six percent of those who think the quality

of life is fair or poor think major improvement is needed to increase the number of good-

paying jobs, compared with 24 percent of those who think it is very good or excellent (+32).

� Dissatisfaction with the political system. Fifty-seven percent of those who think the quali-

ty of life is fair or poor think the political system needs major improvement, compared with

28 percent of those who think it is very good or excellent (+29).

� Anti-tax sentiment. Sixty-one percent of those who think the quality of life is fair or poor

believe that average families need major tax relief, compared with 33 percent of those who

think it is very good or excellent (+28).


A quarter of residents say they would like to leave Massachusetts.

� Concern about an inadequate social safety net. Fifty-two percent of those who think the

quality of life is fair or poor see a need for major improvement in the availability of social serv-

ices, compared with 25 percent of those who think it is very good or excellent (+27).

� Complaints about the roads and traffic. Sixty-one percent of those who think the quality of

life is fair or poor see a need for major improvement in the roads and traffic situation, com-

pared with 35 percent of those who think it is very good or excellent (+26).

Dissatisfaction with government is a key element associated with dissatisfaction with the qual-

ity of life in general. A majority (61%) of those who rate the overall quality of life as fair or poor

say they have “not too much” or “no confidence” at all in Massachusetts state government, and

close to half (46%) feel the same way about their local government. In contrast, just over half

(54%) of the public statewide express “a lot” or “some” confidence in state government and over

two-thirds (69%) feel this way about their local government.

The set of attitudes associated with dissatisfied citizens in Massachusetts today resembles the

combination of economic anxiety and political alienation that fueled support for Ross Perot’s

independent presidential candidacy at the national level in 1992—and it may help explain Mitt

Romney’s victory in last year’s governor’s race in Massachusetts. Based on their demographics

alone—less affluent, less well-educated, racially diverse—the dissatisfied group would be expected

to align themselves more with the Democratic Party. But only about a third (31%) self-identify as

Democrats while half (51%) call themselves Independents. This could indicate that they don’t feel

the Democratic Party adequately addresses their concerns, or that they feel closer to the Republi-

cans on issues like taxes. The segment of the overall population in Massachusetts identifying as

Independent (50%) is extraordinarily high by national standards. PSRA national surveys typically

find the number of Independents ranging from 30 to 35 percent.

URGE FOR GOING: WHO WANTS TO LEAVE MASSACHUSETTS AND WHY?Overall, a quarter of Massachusetts residents (25%) say they would like to move out of the state

if they had the opportunity. The subgroups most inclined to want to leave are young adults aged

18 to 29 (41%), minorities (35%), renters (35%), and those who have lived in the state for 20 years

or less (34%). While not the only reason people want to move, negative perceptions of the qual-

ity of life are one factor driving people away. Forty-nine percent of those wanting to move rate

the overall quality of life as fair or poor, compared with 20 percent of those content to stay in

Massachusetts. About half (48%) of the potential movers think the quality of life has gotten worse

in the past five years, compared with about a third (34%) of non-movers.

Those looking to move elsewhere offer a variety of reasons when asked to explain their primary

motivation—27 percent want to escape the high cost of living or high taxes, 25 percent are seek-

ing better weather, 15 percent want to go someplace less stressful or crowded, 8% are looking for

better job opportunities, 7% want to be closer to family and friends, and 5% just want to try

something different.

In terms of specific aspects of Massachusetts life, those who want to move differ most from

those content to stay in their unhappiness with the tax burden (59% vs. 42% needs major im-

provement), the political system (54% vs. 37%), the roads and traffic situation (62% vs. 45%), and

K-12 education (34% vs. 20%). Other survey results underscore the connection between unhap-

piness with the schools and the desire to move out of Massachusetts. One-third of those who would

like to move (33%) rate their community as a fair or poor place to raise children, compared with

just 14 percent of non-movers. The small number of parents among those who want to move seem


less happy with their child’s school and less likely to feel they have enough choices about where

their child goes to school.

To put the finding that 25 percent of Massachusetts residents want to move out of the state in

proper perspective, it’s important to keep in mind that a significantly larger number—35 percent

—think that life is better in Massachusetts than it is in other parts of the country. Such sentiment is

not limited to older and more established residents—in fact, those under 30 and who have lived in

the state for 10 years or less are actually more likely to feel this way than older and more established

residents. When the percent who say they want to move away is analyzed in combination with the

percentage who say life in Massachusetts is better than elsewhere (see Table 3), certain population

subgroups emerge as especially positive and especially negative about living in the Bay State.

� This index of contentment with Massachusetts shows big differences by perceived social class.

Those who identify themselves as upper middle class or wealthy score a plus 25 on this index,

meaning that the percent who think life is better exceeds the percent who want to move by

25 percentage points. Those who see themselves as middle class score a plus 18 on this index.

That places them much closer to the group above them (upper class group) than to the group

below them (working class/poor group). Those who describe their social standing as below

middle class are distinguished by their negative score (minus 4) on this measure.

� Geographically, those who live in central Massachusetts have the most positive score (plus

21) while those in western Massachusetts have the lowest score (minus 11).

� By age, those under 30 have the lowest score (minus 4) and those aged 30-49 the highest score

(plus 16). In part, this difference results from stage in the life cycle, as those under 30 have yet

to put down strong roots and are more open to moving. Those aged 18-29 and those aged

30-49 are about equally likely to see Massachusetts as a better place to live than other places.

In rating their specific aspects of life in the state, those aged 30-49 are actually more criticalthan

those under 30 to criticize things like the health care system, taxes, and K-12 education.

However, the high cost of living in Massachusetts would also seem to be a contributing factor

to young adults’ eagerness to move. Young people may be impressed with the state’s quality

TABLE 3B: Contentment with Massachusetts Index

Want to Move Life Better in Mass. Com- PercentPercent Saying… Out of Mass. pared to Rest of Country Difference (N)

TOTAL MASS. RESIDENTS 25 35 +10 1,001

REGION

Greater Boston 26 38 +12 552Southeastern Mass. 19 25 +6 140Central Mass. 19 40 +21 146Western Mass. 33 22 -11 163

SELF-REPORTED CLASS

Upper class 22 47 +25 155Middle class 20 38 +18 464Working class/Poor 31 27 -4 362

AGE

18-29 41 37 -4 15730-49 22 38 +16 44150-64 25 34 +9 24265 and older 17 24 +7 144



MASSACHUSETTS QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY

TOPLINE RESULTS February 25, 2003

Job #22093Total n = 1,001 Massachusetts adults age 18 and olderMargin of error: plus or minus 3 percentage pointsInterviewing dates: January 20-February 2, 2003Note: Because percentages are rounded they may not total 100%.

INTRODUCTION: Hello, my name is _________________ and I’m calling for Princeton Survey Research. We’reconducting an important statewide survey about the quality of life in Massachusetts. IF NECES-SARY, READ: This survey is for research purposes ONLY—we’re not selling anything. The surveysponsor is MassINC, a non-profit organization based in Boston that is working to improve life inthe Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

May I please speak with the YOUNGEST MALE age 18 or older, who is now at home? (IF NOMALE ASK: Then, may I please speak with the OLDEST FEMALE age 18 or older who is now athome)

D1. RECORD RESPONDENT’S SEX:

49 Male

51 Female

1. Here’s my first question…Overall, how would you rate the quality of life in Massachusetts

today? Would you say it is…(READ)

7 Excellent

22 Very good

42 Good

21 Fair, OR

7 Poor?

1 Don’t know/Refused

2. Compared to other New England states, do you think the quality of life in Massachusetts

is…(READ)

25 Better

12 Worse, OR

52 About the same?


3. Compared to other parts of the country, do you think the quality of life in Massachusetts is better,

worse, or about the same?

35 Better

17 Worse

38 About the same



4. What do you LIKE MOST about living in Massachusetts? Just tell me the first thing that comes

to mind.

14 Change of seasons

10 Weather and climate

9 Accessibility to beaches/oceans/mountains (includes Cape Cod)

7 Closeness to family and friends

6 Grew up in Massachusetts/Feels like home

4 Culture and history

4 Accessibility to leisure activities (includes shopping, entertainment, sports events, etc.)

4 The people/People are friendly

4 Educational opportunities/Many universities and colleges close by

3 Proximity to Boston

2 Quiet/peaceful place to live

2 School systems

2 Job opportunities

2 Locality/Location within the U.S.

21 Misc. other

6 Nothing/Don’t like anything


5. Over the past five years, do you think the quality of life in Massachusetts has… (READ)

15 Gotten better

38 Gotten worse, OR

44 Stayed about the same?


6. Looking ahead five years from today, do you think the quality of life in Massachusetts will…(READ)

36 Get better

26 Get worse, OR

30 Stay about the same?


7. Are you now employed full-time, part-time, are you retired, or are you not employed for pay?

53 Employed full-time

13 Employed part-time

17 Retired

12 Not employed

3 Disabled (VOL.)

2 Student (VOL.)

1 Other (VOL.)

* Don’t know/Refused


8. Are you married, living as married, widowed, divorced, separated, or have you never been married?

50 Married

3 Living as married

9 Widowed

11 Divorced

3 Separated

25 Never married/Single (VOL.)

* Refused

9. Is your (husband/wife/partner) now employed full-time, part-time, are you retired, or not

employed for pay? Based on those who are married or living as married (n=565)

61 Employed full-time

13 Employed part-time

13 Retired

8 Not employed

1 Disabled (VOL.)

1 Student (VOL.)

1 Other (VOL.)


10. Are you the parent or guardian of any children under age 18 now living in your household?

33 Yes

67 No


11. Do you have any children…(READ IN ORDER)

12. How many children do you have (INSERT ITEM)

Total Three None this age/Yes One Two or more No children DK/Ref.

a. Under age five? 14 10 3 1 86 0

b. Five to 12 years old? 20 12 6 1 80 *

c. 13 to 17 years old? 13 10 2 * 87 *

13. Overall, how would you rate the quality of life for you and your family today? Would you say it

is…(READ)

13 Excellent

28 Very good

39 Good

16 Fair, OR

4 Poor?


Number of Incomes in Household32 Two-income households42 One-income households26 Non-working households


13a. What is the biggest problem facing you and your family today?

National June 20014

25 Finances/Not enough money/Making ends meet . . . . . . . . . .26

8 Family/Personal/Health problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

8 Job security/Low paying jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

7 High prices/High cost of living and housing . . . . . . . . . . . .10

6 Economy/Recession/Business climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

6 Healthcare/High cost of health insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

6 Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

3 Child care/Costs of education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

3 Quality and future of education/

What’s going on in schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

2 Threat of war/Uncertainty in nation’s future . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A

2 Issues facing the elderly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

1 Government/Politics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

1 Retirement/Money for retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A

* High gas/fuel prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

* Morality/Family values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

12 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

14 No problems/Don’t know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

14. Over the past five years, has the quality of life for you and your family…(READ)

37 Gotten better

16 Gotten worse, OR

47 Stayed about the same?


15. Looking ahead five years from today, do you think the quality of life for you and your family

will…(READ)

52 Get better

11 Get worse, OR

32 Stay about the same?


4. National comparison results from Pew Research Center News Interest Index poll, based on a national sample of 1,200adults interviewed June 13-17.


16. We’re interested in how much confidence you have in some different institutions. (First,) in

general, how much confidence do you have in…(INSERT—READ & RANDOMIZE)—a lot of

confidence, some, not too much, or no confidence at all?

Not confidence DK/A Lot Some too much at all DK/Ref.

a. Massachusetts state government 10 44 28 14 4

b. Your local government 15 53 18 10 4

c. Your local police 49 38 8 4 1

d. Labor unions 14 32 14 14 26

e. Your local public schools 33 35 13 7 12

f. Local businesses and companies 31 52 9 3 4

g. Your church, synagogue, mosque or

other religious institution 33 31 12 9 155

17. Thinking again about your personal situation….If you had the opportunity within the next few

years, would you like to move out of your community, or would you rather stay where you are?

18. Would you like to move…(READ)

National6 1985

34 Total want to move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

8 Somewhere else in Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A

25 Total want to move out of Massachusetts . . . . . . . . .N/A

8 To another state in New England . . . . . . . . . . .N/A

18 Out of New England altogether . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A

63 Don’t want to move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

2 Don’t know/Refused . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

19. What is the MAIN reason you would like to move? (READ & RANDOMIZE)

Would like to Would like to movemove (n=320) out of state (n=234)

25 27 To go somewhere with a lower cost of living or lower taxes

20 25 To go somewhere with better weather

17 15 To go somewhere less crowded or stressful

8 8 To find better job opportunities

7 7 To be closer to family or friends

5 5 To try something new/For a change of scenery

2 1 For a better school system

16 10 Some other reason

2 2 Don’t know/Refused

5. Results include those who volunteered “Don’t go to church.”6. National comparison results from Gallup Organization survey, based on a national sample of 1,557 adults interviewed February

15-18. Trend question wording read "If you had the chance, would you like to move away from this community (city), or not?"


20. Now we’d like your opinion of some different aspects of life IN MASSACHUSETTS today.

Please try to answer as best you can, even if I ask about an area where you and your family

are not directly affected. (Here’s the first one/what about)… (INSERT —READ & RANDOMIZE)?

(Do you think Massachusetts needs MAJOR improvement in this area, needs SOME improve-

ment, is satisfactory as is, or is MORE THAN satisfactory as is?)

More thanNeed Need Satis- Satis-

major im- some im- factory factory provement provement as is as is DK/Ref.

a. The quality of the environment and

availability of open space 22 40 32 4 3

b. The roads and the traffic situation 50 32 16 1 1

c. The availability of good-paying jobs 38 39 18 2 4

d. K through 12 education 24 38 25 4 9

e. Affordability of college education 48 31 14 1 5

f. The way the health care system is working 49 29 17 2 3

g. The availability of affordable housing 54 29 14 1 3

h. The availability of arts, cultural, and

recreational activities 13 29 41 14 3

i. The crime situation 28 46 23 2 2

j. Race relations 20 41 32 3 4

k. The way the political system is working 42 37 16 1 4

l. The amount of taxes an average family has

to pay 47 32 17 1 3

m. Airport access 19 26 43 5 7

n. The availability of social services, including

help for the homeless and mentally impaired 39 35 18 2 6

21. About how long have you lived in Massachusetts…(READ)

National7 2002

1 Less than one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

6 One to five years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

5 Six to 10 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

10 11 to 20 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

31 More than 20 years, OR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

47 Are you a lifelong resident? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A

* Don’t know/Refused . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*

22. Some people think Boston is a place where newcomers don’t feel particularly welcome. Do you

think people who move to Boston from other parts of the country are made to feel less wel-

come, OR that Boston isn’t any less welcoming to newcomers than most other large U.S. cities?

19 Made to feel less welcome

70 Same as most other large cities


7. National comparison results from Knight Foundation Community Indicators survey, based on a national sample of 1,211adults interviewed January 2-27. Trend question wording read "About how long have you lived in your city/suburb/town/area where you live now?"


23. Some people think Massachusetts is a particularly difficult place for racial and ethnic minorities

to live, work, and raise a family. Do you think life for racial and ethnic minorities is more

difficult in Massachusetts than in most other states, or is not more difficult?

18 Yes, more difficult

76 No, not more difficult


24. Now I have a few more questions about how things are going for you… Please tell me how

satisfied you are with how much time you have in some different areas. How satisfied are you

with… (INSERT—READ & RANDOMIZE)? (very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not too satisfied,

or not at all satisfied?) Item a based on those who are married or living as married (n=565)

Item b based on parents of children under age 18 (n=354)

Not too Not DK/Very Somewhat Much at all Ref.

a. The amount of time you spend with your

(husband/wife/partner) 49 34 11 6 *

b. The amount of time you spend with your children 51 33 9 6 1

c. The amount of time you spend exercising or

playing sports 26 35 20 14 5

d. The amount of time you have for relaxation and

leisure activities 35 39 16 9 1

25. How would you rate your personal financial situation today? Would you say you are in…(READ)

5 Excellent financial shape

16 Very good shape

35 Good shape

30 Fair shape, OR

13 Poor shape?



26. Please tell me how much of a problem, if at all, each of the following is for you and your

family these days. (First,) what about…(INSERT—READ & RANDOMIZE)? (Is this a big

problem, somewhat of a problem, or not a problem for you and your family today)?

Big Somewhat Not a Doesn’t DK/problem problem problem apply Ref.

a. Crime, drugs and violence where you live 9 31 59 * 1

b. Job opportunities in your area 26 32 35 4 3

c. The quality of education in the local public

schools 12 25 52 8 4

d. The affordability of quality health care 27 31 40 * 2

e. The affordability of a college education 31 33 26 8 3

f. The availability and reliability of public

transportation 12 17 64 5 2

g. Racial or ethnic discrimination 6 20 71 1 2

h. The cost of living 30 44 25 * 1

Item i based on parents of children under age 18 (n=354)

i. The availability of affordable, quality child care 20 23 43 11 2

27. In the last five years, has it become easier or more difficult for you and your family to afford

to live the kind of life you want—or is it just about the same?

8 Easier

33 More difficult

58 About the same


28. Please tell me if any of following have happened to you or your family over the past five

years. (First,) have you or your family…(READ ITEMS IN ORDER)?

Yes No DK/Ref.

a. Felt a lot of stress because of financial problems 47 52 1

b. Taken on more debt than you could handle 25 74 1

c. Been unable to keep up with payments on a loan, including a student loan 16 83 1

d. Postponed a major purchase like buying a house or taking a vacation

due to financial concerns 42 57 2

e. Maxed out your credit cards 17 82 2


29. Now I’m going to read you a short list of things that some Massachusetts families have.

Please tell me which of these, if any, you and your immediate family now have. By immediate

family, I mean the family members who live with you. (First,) do you have...(INSERT—READ

& RANDOMIZE)?

Yes, have No, do not have DK/Ref.

a. Three or more cars or other vehicles 22 77 1

b. Two or more computers at home 30 69 1

c. Cable or satellite TV 84 16 1

d. Housekeeping help 11 88 1

e. Snow removal or landscaping help 27 71 2

f. A second home, such as a vacation property 10 89 1

g. High-speed Internet access at home, for example,

DSL, cable, satellite, or wireless broadband 43 55 2

30. Now I have some questions about how safe you feel… Please tell me how safe you think you

and your family are from crime in some different locations. (First,) what about...(INSERT—

READ & RANDOMIZE)? (Are you very safe, somewhat safe, not too safe or not at all safe

from crime at this location)?

Don’t goNot Not out at DK/

Very Somewhat too at all night Ref.

a. At home at night 77 20 2 1 N/A 1

National 20028: 74 21 2 1 * 1

b. When walking in your neighborhood after dark 53 35 6 3 2 1

National 2002: 54 30 6 4 6 1

31. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, do you personally feel a lot less safe

where you live and work, somewhat less safe, only a little less safe, or not at all less safe

than you did before?

National August 20029

6 A lot less safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

19 Somewhat less safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

24 Only a little less safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

50 Not at all less safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42


8. National comparison results from Knight Foundation Community Indicators survey, based on a national sample of 1,211adults interviewed January 2-27.

9. National comparison results from Newsweek poll, based on a national sample of 1,005 adults interviewed August 28-29.


32. Now I’m going to read a list of some kinds of changes to communities these days that might

affect the quality of life. Please tell me how much of a problem each of the following is in

the community where you live. (First,) what about…(READ & RANDOMIZE)? (Is this a big

problem, somewhat of a problem, or not a problem (in the community where you live)?

Big Somewhat Not a DK/problem problem problem Ref.

a. A loss of local character or charm as new commercial

or real estate development changes the landscape of

your city or town 16 31 51 2

b. Increasing traffic and congestion 36 37 27 *

c. Loss of openspace, including loss of farmlands & parks 22 30 47 1

d. Rising real estate prices that make housing less affordable 55 29 14 2

33. How would you rate your community as a place to raise children? Would you say it is…(READ)

22 Excellent

31 Very good

26 Good

14 Fair, OR

6 Poor?


34. We’re interested in what it is like for Massachusetts families with children…Compared with your

own (If male: father/If female: mother), are you able to spend more time with your children, less

time, or about the same amount of time? Based on parents of children under age 18 (n=354)

36 More time

31 Less time

33 Same amount


35.How satisfied are you with your youngest school-age child's school…(READ) Based on parents

of children ages 5-17 (n=294)

57 Very satisfied

31 Somewhat satisfied

5 Not too satisfied, OR

5 Not at all satisfied?

1 (VOL.) Child not attending school


36. Does your youngest school-age child attend a public school, private school, parochial or

church-run school, or a charter school? Based on parents of children ages 5-17 (n=294)

78 Public school

8 Private school

8 Parochial or church-run school

3 Charter school

* (VOL.) Home-schooled



37. Considering your family’s financial circumstances and what is available through your local

public schools, do you feel you have enough choices about where you child goes to school,

or not? Based on parents with children in public school (n=235)

63 Yes, have

35 No, do not have


38. As you may know, over the past decade, Massachusetts has taken steps to try to improve the

quality of education in the public schools. In your opinion, have these efforts begun to pay

off…(READ) Item a based on parents with children in public school (n=235)

Yes No DK/Ref.

a. In your child’s school, or not? 58 35 8

b. In schools across the state, or not? 39 36 25

39. Now I have a few questions about your job. In a typical week, about how many hours do you

work, including all the paying jobs you have? (READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY)

Based on those who are employed (n=684)

20 Under 35 hours

36 35-44 hours

30 45-59 hours

12 60 hours or more


40. About how long does it take you to get from home to work, door to door? IF NECESSARY

SPECIFY: for your MAIN job. Based on those who are employed (n=684)

3 None/Work at home

26 Less than 15 minutes

26 15 to 29 minutes

21 30 to 44 minutes

8 45 to 59 minutes

12 60 minutes or more


41. Please tell me how satisfied you are with the following aspects of your job. (First,) what

about...(INSERT—READ & RANDOMIZE)? (Are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not

too satisfied, or not at all satisfied with this aspect of your job)? Based on those who are

employed (n=684)

Item a always asked first Very Somewhat Not too Not at all DK/Ref.

a. Your job overall 48 40 8 4 1

b. The amount of on-the-job stress 21 43 17 16 3

c. Your job security 49 32 9 8 2

d. Your health insurance and other benefits 38 34 9 14 6

e. Your chances for promotion 31 29 15 15 10

f. Opportunities for job training 38 32 10 12 8


42. What would improve your life more—more household income or more free time? Based on those

who are employed (n=684)

53 More household income

39 More free time

7 (VOL.) Both equally


43. In general, do you feel you have the education and training necessary to get ahead in your job

or career, could you use a LITTLE more, or could you use a LOT more education and train-

ing? Based on those who are employed (n=684)

34 Have what is needed

48 Could use a little more

16 Could use a lot more


44. How frequently, if ever, do you experience conflicts between your work responsibilities and

family responsibilities? Would you say…(READ) Based on those who are employed (n=684)

National10 1997

16 Often, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

29 Sometimes, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

37 Hardly ever, OR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

16 Never? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16


45. When you experience conflicts, which usually suffers more…(READ) Based on those who are

employed (n=684)

34 Work responsibilities, OR

41 Family responsibilities?

5 Both equally


16 Never experience conflicts

10. National comparison results from Wisconsin Public Television State of the Union survey, based on 832 employed adultsinterviewed June 26-July 9.


46a. Now, on another subject…Are you, yourself, now covered by any form of health insurance

that helps pay for the cost of your health care?

46b. Just to make sure, if you’re covered through another family member’s health plan at work or

through a government program like Medicare or Medicaid, that would count. Do you have

any health insurance coverage, or none at all?

46c. Are ALL members of your family who live in your household now covered by either private

health insurance or a government program like Medicare or Medicaid?

Total Age 18-64 Respondent’s Insurance Status11

91 89 Insured

8 10 Not Insured


Household Insurance Status

84 83 All family members insured

15 17 One or more family members not insured


47. Next, for each item that I read, please tell me if you and your family have enough, have some,

or have none at all. (First,) what about...(INSERT—READ & RANDOMIZE)? (Do you have

enough, have some, or have none at all?)

None Doesn’t DK/Enough Some at all apply Ref.

a. Life insurance to protect you or other family

members if a family member were to die 40 34 24 * 2

b. Home and property insurance 55 18 23 2 3

c. Money set aside for retirement 20 52 24 2 2

d. Money set aside or insurance to cover costs if an elderly family

member needed nursing home care 15 22 56 5 3

e. Money set aside for emergency expenses 26 48 24 * 2

Item f based on parents of children under age 18 (n=354)

f. Money set aside for your children's

college education 7 54 38 1 1

48. Do you own or rent your home?

62 Own

34 Rent

3 Other arrangement

1 Refused

11. Results for ages 18-64 based on 840 interviews.


49. Now, as I read you some different things that might affect your personal future, please tell

me how concerned you are about each one happening to you. (First,) how concerned are you

about... (READ & RANDOMIZE)? (Are you very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too con-

cerned, or not at all concerned?)

Not Doesn’t DK/Very Somewhat Not too at all apply Ref.

a. Having to care for an aging parent or relative 22 30 11 25 10 2

Massachusetts 199612: 41 27 12 13 7 *

National 200013: 31 23 15 21 9 1

National 199414: 33 28 15 14 10 *

b. Being unable to afford necessary health

care when a family member gets sick 29 27 15 25 2 1

Massachusetts 1996: 56 22 14 6 2 *

National 2000: 41 21 15 19 3 1

National 1994: 50 22 15 11 1 1

c. Not having enough money for retirement 30 36 12 18 2 1

Massachusetts 1996: 51 25 13 10 1 *

National 2000: 40 23 14 16 6 1

National 1994: 42 29 14 12 3 1

d. If homeowner asked: Losing your home

because you can’t afford to keep it.

If not homeowner asked: Being unable

to afford your own home 23 18 18 39 2 1

Massachusetts 1996: 46 18 19 15 2 *

National 2000: 24 15 18 38 5 *

National 1994: 31 16 20 28 4 1

e. Losing your job or taking a cut in pay 19 21 14 28 18 1

Massachusetts 1996: 43 20 15 13 9 *

National 2000: 26 14 14 28 17 1

National 1994: 28 16 14 21 21 *

12 Trend from PSRA survey for The Boston Globe/WBUR Radio/WABU-TV, based on a sample of 604 Massachusettsadults interviewed May 15-26.

13 National comparison results from Heinz Family Philanthropies/Newsweek Poll, based on a national sample of 1,501adults interviewed February 18-March 5.

14 National comparison results from Pew Research Center survey, based on a national sample of adults interviewedMarch 16-21. Items a and b based on 1,009 interviews and items c, d, e, g, h, and i based on 992 interviews.


Q. 49 continued Now, as I read you some different things that might affect your personal future,

please tell me how concerned you are about each one happening to you. (First,) how concerned

are you about... (READ & RANDOMIZE)? (Are you very concerned, somewhat concerned, not

too concerned, or not at all concerned?)

Not Doesn’t DK/Very Somewhat Not too at all apply Ref.

f. Being unable to maintain your current

standard of living 23 36 18 21 * 1

Items g-i based on parents of children under age 18 (n=354)

g.Not having adequate child care when you

go to work 18 15 11 43 13 *

National 200015: 21 10 9 28 31 1

National 1994: 21 13 9 16 40 1

h.Being unable to afford to send a son or

daughter to the kind of college you’d like16 41 39 8 10 1 1

Massachusetts 1996: 46 20 9 13 12 0

National 2000: 33 16 10 21 19 1

National 1994: 37 16 8 12 26 1

i.Your children not having good job opportunities 41 32 12 14 0 2

Massachusetts 1996: 55 21 9 9 6 *

National 2000: 35 16 11 20 17 1

National 1994: 51 21 8 8 12 *

50. Looking to the future, when your children grow up do you think they will be better off or

worse off than you are now? Based on parents of children under age 18 (n=354)

May17 1996

68 Better off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

21 Worse off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

5 Same (VOL.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7


51. Do you feel you have the information you need to adequately plan for your retirement, or not?

Based on those who are not retired (n=841)

66 Yes, have

31 No, do not have


15 All trend results for items g-i are based on total sample.16 Massachusetts and national trend wording was somewhat different: "Being unable to save enough money to put a

child through college."17 Trend from PSRA survey for The Boston Globe/WBUR Radio/WABU-TV, based on 216 interviews with Massachusetts

parents of children under 18.


52. How much confidence do you have in your ability to make the right decisions about saving and

investments for your retirement? Are you…(READ) Based on those who are not retired (n=841)

31 Very confident

49 Somewhat confident

13 Not too confident

6 Not at all confident in your ability to make these decisions?


DEMOGRAPHICS:D2. Finally, I have just a few questions so we can describe the people who took part in our survey...

In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, or Independent?

14 Republican

31 Democrat

50 Independent

3 No party/Not interested in politics (VOL.)

* Other party (VOL.)


D3. Are you, or is any other adult in your household a member of a labor union?

17 Yes, labor union household

81 No, non-union


D4. What is your age?

19 18 to 29

42 30 to 49

22 50 to 64

16 65 and older

2 Refused

D5. What is the last grade or class you completed in school? (DO NOT READ)

2 None, or grade 1 to 8

10 High school incomplete (Grades 9-11)

29 High school graduate, Grade 12, or GED certificate

4 Business, technical, or vocational school AFTER high school

21 Some college or university work, but no four-year degree

19 College or university graduate (BA, BS or other four-year degree received)

14 Post graduate or professional schooling after college (including work towards an MA,

MS, Ph.D., JD, DDS, or MD degree)

* Refused

D6. Are you of Hispanic or Latino background, such as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or other

Spanish background?


D7. What is your race? Are you white, black, Asian, American Indian, or some other race? IF R

SAYS HISPANIC OR LATINO, PROBE: Do you consider yourself a WHITE (Hispanic/Latino) or

a BLACK (Hispanic/Latino)?

83 Non-Hispanic White

15 Total Non-White

6 Non-Hispanic Black or African-American

6 Hispanic

2 Asian or Pacific Islander

1 American Indian or Alaskan Native

1 Mixed-race

* Other


D8. Please tell me which ONE of the following terms best describes your economic status—even

if none is exactly right… (READ)

National18 January 2001

1 Wealthy, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

12 Upper-middle class, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

43 Middle class, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

33 Working class, OR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

9 Poor? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9


D9a. Last year, that is in 2002, approximately what was your total family income from all

sources, before taxes—just tell me when I get to the right category. IF INCOME OVERLAPS

TWO CATEGORIES, RECORD IN THE LOWER CATEGORY.

D9b. (Do you happen to know/Would you mind telling me) if in 2002 your total family income

from all sources, before taxes, was $60,000 or under OR was more than $60,000?

IF NECESSARY: Your best guess is fine.

56 Total less than $60,000

16 $25,000 and under

19 Between $25,000 and $40,000

19 Between $40,000 and $60,000

36 Total $60,000 or more

10 Between $60,000 and $75,000

12 Between $75,000 and $100,000

8 Between $100,000 and $150,000

3 Between $150,000 and $200,000

1 More than $200,000

2 Don’t know

6 Refused

18. National comparison results from National Public Radio, Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Harvard University’sKennedy School of Government survey, based on a national sample of 1,952 adults interviewed January 4-February 27.Categories were "upper class, upper middle class, middle class, working class, and lower class."


D10. What is your religious preference—Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, or some

other religion?

30 Protestant (Baptist, Christian, Episcopalian, Jehovah’s Witness, Lutheran, Methodist,

Presbyterian etc.)

49 Roman Catholic/Catholic

2 Jewish

1 Orthodox Church (Greek or Russian Orthodox etc.)

* Mormon (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

* Muslim/Islam

1 Buddhist or Hindu

1 Other religion

13 No religion/Atheist/Agnostic (VOL.)


D11. How important is religion in your everyday life? Is it…(READ)

August19 2002

9 The MOST important thing in your life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

31 Very important, BUT not the most important thing . . . . . . . .40

33 Somewhat important, OR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

27 Not too important? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12


D12. Please tell me if you have done each of the following activities in the last FIVE YEARS, that

is since 1997. In the last five years, have you (READ & ROTATE)…

Yes No DK/Ref.

a. Attended a town meeting, public hearing or other community meeting 52 47 1

b. Called, written, or sent e-mail to any elected official 29 70 *

c. Joined or contributed money to an organization in support of a particular cause 66 33 1

d. Participated in union activities 13 86 1

e. Volunteered on a regular basis for a church or other community organization 42 57 1

D13a. Where were you born—in the United States, or in another country?

D13b. Were either of your parents born in another country, or were they both born in the U.S.?

Immigrant Status

12 Immigrant

17 First generation American

70 Second generation or more American


END OF INTERVIEW. THANK RESPONDENT: That completes the interview. Thank you very much

for your cooperation.

19. Trend from Kaiser Family Foundation/Harvard School of Public Health/Washington Post poll, based on a nationalsample of 2,886 adults interviewed August 2-September1.

of life, but many simply can’t afford it. As will be shown later in this report, state residents

under 30 tend to be less happy with their financial status and to say they have felt major stress

because of financial problems in recent years.

THE IMAGE OF BOSTON/MASSACHUSETTS AS AN UNFRIENDLY PLACEThe Massachusetts public tends to reject the idea that the state is a particularly difficult place for

racial and ethnic minorities to live, work, and raise a family. Overall 18 percent of the state’s res-

idents think this is true, but 76 percent think it is not true. Differences between white and minor-

ity opinion on this question are relatively modest. Seventy-one percent of non-whites disagree that

Massachusetts is a more difficult place for minorities to live, compared with 77 percent of whites.

The image of Boston as unfriendly to newcomers also doesn’t have much currency among the

Massachusetts public. Only 19 percent of adults statewide agree with this proposition, while 70

percent disagree. Those who live in Suffolk County itself are somewhat more likely to agree, but

still less than a third (29%) think this characterization is true.

About a quarter (27%) of those who are relative newcomers to Massachusetts—having lived

in Massachusetts for 10 years or less—feel that Boston is less welcoming, but the large majority

(68%) reject this idea. According to our survey, these newcomers make up 12 percent of adults

statewide. Newcomers are blending into a state with a well established population—close to half

(47%) of adults are lifelong residents and another third (31%) were not born in Massachusetts but

have lived in the state for more than 20 years.

While there has been much focus on the problem of outmigration from Massachusetts in recent

years, much less attention has been given to new residents. In a state with flat labor growth, new-

comers are critical to the state’s economy, and it is important to learn as much as possible about

who they are, what attracts them about the state, and what might cause them to leave. Newcomers

have a very different demographic profile from more established state residents. They are a younger

and more racially diverse group than the public at large, and are concentrated in the greater Boston

area. Over a third (37%) of newcomers are under age 30 and 40 percent are single. A third (34%)

of newcomers are non-white, with strong representation from Asians and Hispanics. Four in 10

(39%) say they were born in another country. Yet they are a well-educated group (60% have a col-

lege degree or better) and are solidly middle class (59% identify themselves as such). In a state where

Catholics make up about half of the adult public, only 25 percent of newcomers are Catholic, while

36 percent are Protestant and another 25 percent identify with no religion.

Newcomers appear to be filling jobs and otherwise enriching the quality of life in the state. In fact,

newcomers appear to be about as active in their communities as more established residents. About

half (47%) say they have attended a town meeting or public hearing in the past five years and a sim-

ilar number (48%) say they have done volunteer work. Reasons for concern about the state’s ability

to retain its newcomers, however, emerge from the survey results. Newcomers are significantly more

likely than longer-term residents to say they would move out of the state if they had the opportuni-

ty (34% vs. 23%). As with young adults, newcomers may be pleased with the quality of life in Massa-

chusetts but have a very hard time affording the good life. Among newcomers who want to move,

the high cost of living rates higher than any other reason except the weather as a reason for their

discontent. Compared with more established residents, newcomers are significantly more likely to

cite the high cost of living or housing as the biggest problem facing their family today (19% vs. 6%).


With flat labor growth, newcomers are critical to the state’s economy.

II. AT THE LOCAL LEVEL: Perceptions of the Local Community and Local Institutions

CONFIDENCE IN MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONSMassachusetts residents hold their local police departments and public schools in high regard but

express less confidence in their city and town governments. Nearly half (49%) say they have a lot

of confidence in their local police, and only a fraction (12%) say they have little or no confidence

in local law enforcement. The schools also receive high ratings, with two in three residents saying

they have at least some confidence in their local public schools, including one in three who say

they have a lot.

Opinion of local government is more critical. While two-thirds of Massachusetts residents say

they have at least some confidence in their local government, very few (15%) say they have a lot of

confidence in city hall.

State government garners even less support than its local counterparts. Just over half of residents

(54%) say they have at least some confidence in the Massachusetts state government, including

merely 10 percent who say they have a lot of confidence in it. A sizable minority say they have little

(28%) or no confidence at all (14%) in their state government.

Geographic PatternsThis pattern of opinion is reflected statewide, with residents in each of the four regions expressing

the most confidence in their local police and the least in their city

or town government. The general pattern also holds for residents

living in both urban and suburban communities. There are, how-

ever, a few important geographic differences regarding confi-

dence in specific institutions:

� Suburban residents are more likely than those living in

urban areas (36% vs. 28%) to say they have a lot of confi-

dence in their local public schools. This pattern is seen

specifically in the Greater Boston area: half as many Suffolk

County residents compared with residents in other areas

of Greater Boston (17% vs. 34%) have a lot of confidence

in the public schools where they live.

� The Greater Boston area is also divided concerning the

local police. About half of residents who live outside of

Boston (52%) say they have a lot of confidence in their

local police, but only a third of those in Suffolk county

(33%) express as much confidence in the police where

they live.

Demographic PatternsOpinions of municipal institutions across demographic groups

reflect the general views of the Massachusetts public. Residents

in most groups have the greatest confidence in their local police

and the least in their city or town government. But there are

differing degrees of confidence in specific institutions, most

notably among residents in different social classes. Massachu-


TABLE 4B: Confidence in Municipal Institutions by Geography Not much/No

Percent Saying… A lot Some confidence DK/Ref.

LOCAL POLICE

Total Mass. Residents 49 38 12 1Greater Boston 49 38 12 2Southeastern Mass. 55 32 12 1Central Mass. 54 37 9 *Western Mass. 45 43 11 1Urban 46 40 13 1Suburban 51 37 10 2

LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Total Mass. Residents 33 35 20 12Greater Boston 31 34 22 13Southeastern Mass. 37 37 17 9Central Mass. 42 37 15 6Western Mass. 33 36 20 10Urban 28 37 26 8Suburban 36 34 17 13

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Total Mass. Residents 15 53 28 4Greater Boston 16 53 28 4Southeastern Mass. 16 55 26 3Central Mass. 16 55 27 2Western Mass. 13 53 31 3Urban 14 54 28 3Suburban 15 53 27 4

setts residents who describe themselves as wealthy, upper class,

or middle class are more likely than those who consider them-

selves working class or poor to say they have a lot of confidence

in their local police, public schools or local government.

A few other significant demographic differences emerge:

� Members of minority groups are more critical of their

public schools and their local police than white residents.

In both cases, a larger number of blacks and other racial

and ethnic minorities compared with whites say they have

little or no confidence in these institutions.

� Party identification is related to opinions of the police as

well as local and state government. Republicans (63%) are

more likely than Democrats and Independents (50% and

46%) to say they have a lot of confidence in their local

police. But both Republicans and Democrats (23% and

19% a lot of confidence) express more confidence in their

city or town governments compared with Independents

(13%). This is a change from the pattern of opinion about

state government. At that level, Republicans are more likely

than both Democrats and Independents (21% vs. 6% and

9%, respectively) to say they have a lot of confidence in

the powers that be.

� Age influences opinions of the police, with residents age

30 and older more likely than younger residents (53% vs.

32%) to say they have a lot of confidence in their local

law enforcement.

� Residents with at least some college education are more

likely than those with less education to say they have a lot

of confidence in their city or town government.

The Relationship Between Personal Satisfaction andConfidence in Municipal InstitutionsOpinions about local institutions are strongly related to feel-

ings of personal satisfaction, specifically personal quality of life

and satisfaction with living in Massachusetts. As Table 5 shows,

Massachusetts residents who rate their family’s quality of life as

fair or poor and those who say they would like to move out of

state are less likely than their satisfied counterparts to indicate

a high level of confidence in their local government, local pub-

lic schools, or local police.

A similar pattern is evident with respect to opinions of the

state government. For example, 61 percent of Massachusetts res-

idents who rate their family’s quality of life as fair or poor say

they have little or no confidence in the state government. That figure drops to 33 percent among

residents who rate their personal quality of life as excellent or very good. Likewise, residents who


TABLE 5B: Personal Satisfaction and Opinions of Municipal Services

Not much/NoPercent Saying… A lot Some confidence DK/Ref.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Quality of life is…Excellent/V. Good 25 56 17 3Fair/Poor 7 37 51 5

Want to…Stay in Mass. 18 56 22 4Move out of Mass. 8 48 42 3

LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS



LOCAL POLICE



CONFIDENCE IN LOCAL INSTITUTIONS BY SOCIAL CLASS

Local Police

Upper Class

Middle Class

Working Class/Poor

Public Schools

Upper Class

Middle Class

Working Class/Poor

Local Government

Upper Class

Middle Class

Working Class/Poor

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

� A lot � Some � Not much/No confidence

58%

54%

43%

40%

39%

26%

24%

19%

9%

8%

11%

13%

17%

17%

24%

24%

23%

34%

34%

34%

42%

36%

32%

38%

51%

56%

52%

say they would like to move out of state are more likely than those

content to stay in Massachusetts to give the state government

low marks (57% vs. 38% not too much or no confidence).

Local Businesses And CompaniesMassachusetts residents feel good about their local businesses

and companies. A large majority (83%) say they have confi-

dence in these institutions, including three in 10 residents who

say they have a lot of confidence in them. Support for local

industries is strong throughout the state, so geography does

not have much effect on opinions about local industry. An

exception is that residents in Western Massachusetts are less

likely than those in other regions to say they have a lot of con-

fidence in their local businesses. Community size is also a fac-

tor, with suburban residents more likely than their urban

counterparts (34% vs. 25% a lot of confidence) to give local

business the strongest vote of confidence.

Work status and other personal economic indicators are, on

the other hand, strongly related to feelings about local busi-

nesses. Massachusetts residents who are working are more like-

ly than those who are not to say they have a lot of confidence

in local businesses and companies. In addition, confidence

rises with income level, so that those earning $100,000 or more

annually have the most faith in the local businesses while those

earning less than $25,000 have the least. A similar pattern is

evident among residents of different social classes, with those

who perceive themselves as upper class or wealthy expressing

the most positive views of local businesses and those at the

other end of the socioeconomic scale expressing more negative

views. Finally, residents who say they want to move out of the

state are more likely than their more content counterparts to

give local businesses a strong vote of confidence. While all of

these personal economic indicators obviously overlap, each is

instructive in understanding residents’ feelings about local

businesses.

Churches and Other Religious InstitutionsA majority of Massachusetts residents say they have a lot (33%)

or some (31%) confidence in their church or other religious

institution. But as might be expected given the recent public

controversy surrounding the Catholic church, there is a signif-

icant difference in the degree to which Catholics in the state

trust the church to do its job when compared with Protestants

and those of other faiths. While three in 10 Catholics say they

have “a lot” of confidence in their church that number increas-

es to five in 10 among Protestants.


TABLE 6B: Confidence in Local Businesses by Geography

Not much/NoPercent Saying… A lot Some confidence DK/Ref. (N)

TOTAL MASS. RES. 31 52 12 4 1,001

REGION

Greater Boston 32 53 11 3 552Southeastern Mass. 33 51 12 4 140Central Mass. 34 44 15 7 146Western Mass. 22 56 17 5 163

COMMUNITY SIZE

Urban 25 54 17 4 347Suburban 34 52 10 4 639

TABLE 7B: Confidence in Local Businesses by Personal EconomicIndicators

Not much/NoPercent Saying… A lot Some confidence DK/Ref. (N)

TOTAL MASS. RES. 31 52 12 4 1,001

ANNUAL INCOME

$25,000 or less 19 53 21 7 132$25,000–$60,000 31 53 12 4 355$60,000– $100,000 32 59 8 1 249$100,000 or more 45 49 5 1 142

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Working 34 53 11 2 684Not working 22 57 14 7 156Retired 30 45 18 8 160

SELF-REPORTED CLASS

Upper class 44 49 3 3 155Middle class 33 53 10 3 464Working class/Poor 24 54 18 4 362

WANT TO MOVE

Out of state 22 57 17 4 234No/Within state 35 51 11 3 739

HOW MUCH CONFIDENCE DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR CHURCH?

CATHOLICS PROTESTANTS

A lot 29 49Some 38 28Not too much 17 9No confidence 10 4Don’t Know 7 11

100 100No. of interviews (475) (303)

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTWhile conventional wisdom is that growth and development stimulate local economies and thus

are good for communities, there are often downsides as well. Massachusetts residents were asked

how much of a problem four potential negative consequences of growth and development are in

the community where they live. More than half (55%) say that rising real estate prices that make

housing less affordable is a big problem in their local community, making this by far the most

prevalent concern across the state. Even so, a fair number of residents also report that, as a result

of local development, increasing traffic and congestion (36%) and loss of open space (22%) are

big problems where they live. But apparently quaint communities in Massachusetts have not been

spoiled by sprawl: only 16% of residents say a loss of local character or charm brought on by new

development is a big problem and 51% say this isn’t a problem at all.

There are more similarities than differences among residents living in the four regions of Massa-

chusetts when it comes to views on the negative consequences of growth and development. With

a few exceptions, residents’ perceptions in each of the regions are reflected in the statewide figures.

Likewise, urban versus suburban status does not distinguish perceptions of local growth and devel-

opment issues.

� Western Massachusetts stands out in two ways. First, residents living in this region of the

state cite fewer big problems overall than other Massachusetts residents. And specifically,

Western Massachusetts residents are less likely than others to report that rising real estate

prices are a big problem where they live.

� In contrast, Southeastern Massachusetts residents’ heightened concern about loss of local

character and charm in their communities distinguishes their region from the others.

TABLE 8B: Perceptions of Growth and Development by Geography

Percent saying issue is a “big problem”Rising real Increasing traffic Loss of open Loss of None is a

estate prices and congestion space local character “big problem”

TOTAL MASS. RES. 55 36 22 16 32

REGION

Greater Boston 59 39 21 14 29Southeastern Mass. 52 35 25 25 33Central Mass. 51 30 25 12 33Western Mass. 39 24 20 15 48

COMMUNITY SIZE

Urban 55 37 24 18 30Suburban 55 35 20 14 33

III. AT HOME, AT WORK, AT SCHOOL: Perceptions of Personal and Family Quality of Life

OVERALL PERSONAL QUALITY OF LIFE RATINGSMassachusetts residents and their families are generally happy with their lives and many say they have

been that way for a while. Four in five residents (80%) say the quality of life for themselves and their

families is good to excellent, while just one in five (20%) rate it as fair or poor. In addition, a majority

of residents say their personal quality of life is about the same (47%) or better (37%) than it was five

years ago. Only a fraction (16%) report that life for them or their family has gotten worse in that period.


The Massachusetts public’s sense of overall contentment is evident statewide. Geography plays

almost no part in residents’ reported personal quality of life now or over the past five years. There

are a few minor exceptions to this widespread consensus:

� Suburban Massachusetts residents are more likely than their urban counterparts (44% vs.

34%) to rate their personal quality of life as very good or excellent. This pattern is seen specif-

ically in the Greater Boston area, where more residents who live outside of Suffolk County

than those who live in the City of Boston (44% vs. 33%) give their personal lives a positive

rating of very good or excellent.

� Residents of the Greater Boston area as a whole, however, are more likely than Western Massa-

chusetts residents (42% vs. 32%) to say their current quality of life is very good or excellent.

Demographic Patterns in Personal Quality of Life RatingsMoney may not buy happiness, but it seems to make the living easier in Massachusetts. Many of the

demographic characteristics that distinguish residents who give positive ratings of their quality of

life from those who give negative ratings are related to personal financial resources, such as income,

employment, and a college education. Family status and race are also related. These same charac-

teristics have important influences on whether Massachusetts residents feel their personal circum-

stances have improved or declined in the past five years.

Quality of life ratings become more positive as years

of formal education and income levels increase; likewise,

a higher perceived level of social class improves the per-

sonal quality of life rating. These differences are significant

with each increment, not simply when comparing oppo-

site ends of a scale.

� For example, half of college graduates rate their per-

sonal quality of life as very good or excellent. That

number drops to 43% among residents who have not

finished college, and down to 31% among those with

no college education. As Table 9 shows, annual income

and perceived social class have a similar effects.

Employment is also a factor, with residents who are

currently working more likely than those who are not to

say their personal quality of life is very good or excellent.

Retired residents, however, are more likely than those who

are unemployed to give such ratings. In addition, married

residents are more likely than those who are not married

(separated, divorced, widowed or never married) to rate

their quality of life excellent or very good.

� Marital status has special implications for parents of

children under 18. More than three times the num-

ber of single parents (41%) compared with their

married counterparts (12%) rate their personal

quality of life as fair or poor.


TABLE 9B: Personal Quality of Life Ratings by Key Demographics Percent Saying Quality of Life Is… Percent Saying Life Is…

Exc./V.Good Good Fair/Poor Better Worse (N)

TOTAL MASS. RES. 41 39 20 37 16 1,001

EDUCATION

Total no college 31 43 26 32 16 347Some college 43 38 19 40 16 195College graduates 51 34 14 42 15 455

ANNUAL INCOME

$25,000 or less 17 35 48 19 25 132$25,000–$60,000 35 43 22 37 15 355$60,000–$100,000 51 41 8 45 13 249$100,000 or more 72 22 5 52 12 142

SELF-REPORTED CLASS

Upper class 78 19 3 48 12 155Middle class 49 40 10 44 10 464Working class/Poor 19 44 36 27 22 362

EMPLOYMENT

Working 44 40 16 44 13 684Not working 28 39 33 29 19 156Retired 39 35 25 17 21 160

MARITAL STATUS

Married 48 39 13 42 14 565Not married 32 39 28 31 18 431

PARENTS

Married 45 43 12 49 12 281Single 18 41 41 29 20 73

All of these demographic characteristics have similar effects on Massachusetts residents’ assess-

ments of their quality of life in the past five years. The better educated, more affluent, and mar-

ried residents are more likely than their counterparts to say their lives have gotten better over that

period of time.

� White residents are more likely than blacks and other minorities to say their lives now are

very good or excellent, but there are no differences among racial or ethnic groups regarding

changes in their quality of life in the past five years.

� Age is not related to personal quality of life ratings, and it has a relatively minor impact on

perceptions of changes in life circumstances in the past five years.

PROBLEMS IMPACTING PERSONAL QUALITY OF LIFE IN MASSACHUSETTSPersonal Finances the Chief ConcernMassachusetts residents are concerned about money matters. When asked to name the biggest

problem facing them and their families today, one in four residents (25%) cite personal finances,

particularly the struggle “to make ends meet.” Anxiety about money dwarfs all other concerns.

Many other types of difficulties are described by residents, but none of the next five highest prob-

lems in the ranking amount to a tenth of the Massachusetts public.

Specifically, fewer than one in 10 residents say personal health prob-

lems (8%), job security (8%), the cost of living and housing (7%), the

economy (6%), health care or health insurance (6%) or taxes (6%) is

the biggest problem facing them today.

� This pattern mirrors national findings on this measure. In a

2001 Pew Research Center News Interest Index poll, 26% of

adults nationwide said personal finances were the biggest prob-

lem facing them and their families. In addition, no other prob-

lem was cited by more than a tenth of the general public.

� Two residents in Western Massachusetts (40%) for every one in

Southeastern Massachusetts (20%) or Greater Boston (22%) cite

personal finances as their biggest problem. And although the

margin of difference is smaller, Western Massachusetts residents

are also more likely than those living in Central Massachusetts

(28%) to say money is their top problem.

� Demographic differences are predictable: residents in lower income brackets, those who de-

scribe themselves as working class or poor, and those who are not gainfully employed are more

likely than others to say personal finances are their biggest problem.

� It is notable that among residents age 50 and older, the percentage who say personal health

issues (15%) are their biggest problem is fairly comparable to the percentage who cite per-

sonal finances (21%).

Evaluation of Specific Problems Related to Personal Quality of LifeMany aspects of life contribute to a sense of personal and family well-being, i.e., quality of life. The

survey asked Massachusetts residents to evaluate how much of a problem—big, somewhat, or not

at all—eight specific issues are for them and their families today. Majorities of residents report that

the cost of living (74%), the affordability of a college education (64%), the affordability of quality


WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FACING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TODAY?

Finances/Making ends meet 25%Family or personal health problems 8%Job security/Low paying jobs 8%High price of living and housing 7%Economy/Recession/Business climate 6%Health care/High cost of health insurance 6%Taxes 6%Child care/Costs of education 3%Quality and future of education 3%Threat of war 2%Issues facing the elderly 2%Government/Politics 1%Retirement/Money for retirement 1%

health care (58%), and job opportunities in their area (58%) are at least somewhat of a problem. In

contrast, majorities of residents say racial or ethnic discrimination (71%), the availability and reli-

ability of public transportation (64%), crime, drugs, and violence where they live (59%) and the

quality of education in local public schools (52%) are not problems at all.

Parents of children under 18 were also asked about the availability of affordable, quality child

care. Massachusetts parents divide on this issue, with 43% saying

adequate children care is a problem for their families and 43% say-

ing it is not.

Ranking these issues based on the number of residents who say

the issues are “big” problems for them and their families, the afford-

ability of college, the cost of living, the affordability of health care,

local job opportunities, and adequate child care emerge as the top

concerns. Relatively few residents deem any of the remaining issues

big problems for their families, and 37% do not consider any of the

topics asked about big problems.

While the overall ranking is consistent across different regions

of the state and major demographic subgroups, each of the top five

concerns emerges as a greater challenge among certain segments of

the Massachusetts public:

� The affordability of a college education is most daunting for parents of children under 18. Forty

percent of parents say college costs are a big problem for their families, compared with 26% of

those who do not have children. More telling, similar numbers of married and single parents

—groups between which there is usually disparity on issues—report this is a big problem.

� The cost of living, not surprisingly, is especially a struggle for Massachusetts’ lowest income

residents. Just under half of residents with annual incomes of less than $25,000 (47%) deem

basic living costs a big problem for them and their families. That figure decreases to 31%

among those with incomes of $25,000 to $60,000 and to 22% among those earning $60,000

or more per year.

� The affordability of health care is likewise a burden on lower income residents, though it is

a burden for some middle class residents as well. A third of residents whose annual incomes

are under $60,000 (33%) say the cost of health care is a big problem for them and their fam-

ilies, a figure significantly higher than the 18% of those whose incomes are $60,000 or more

per year.

� While local job opportunities pose a problem for a number of groups, residents who are

currently not working are among the hardest hit by this issue. Two in five residents who are

unemployed (43%) say local job prospects are a big problem for them, compared with one

in five residents who are currently working (23%) or retired (21%).

� The availability of affordable, quality child care most strongly impacts parents who describe

themselves as working class or poor. These parents on the lower end of the socioeconomic

scale are more likely than middle class or upper class parents to say this is a big problem for

them (31% working class/poor vs. 13% middle and 11% upper).

Other issues, while not generally salient, are of special concern among certain subgroups. For

example, single parents are more likely than their married counterparts (24% vs. 10%) to say the

quality of local public school education is a big problem for their families, as are minorities when


BIG PROBLEMS FOR MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Affordability of college education 31%Cost of living 30%Affordability of health care 27%Job opportunities in local area 26%Availability of affordable, quality of child care 20%Quality of local public school education 12%Availability/reliability of public transportation 12%Crime, drugs, and violence in local areas 9%Racial or ethnic discrimination 6%None is a “big” problem 37%

compared with white residents (22% vs. 10%). Access to reliable public transportation is more of

a hurdle for lower income residents than it is for those with annual incomes of at least $25,000

(19% vs. 9% big problem). Finally, crime, drugs, and violence are cited by a larger number of

urban residents than suburban residents as a big problem; this disparity is especially visible in the

Boston area where 21% of those living in Suffolk County say crime is a big problem where they

live, compared with only 7% of those living outside of Suffolk County.

Factors Most Closely Related to Personal DissatisfactionMassachusetts residents who are most dissatisfied with their personal quality of life, i.e., those

who rate it as fair or poor, are more negative in their evaluations of every factor that might affect

personal and family well-being. Even so, when these dissatisfied residents are compared with their

counterparts who say their personal quality of life is very good or excellent, certain distinguish-

ing characteristics emerge. Specifically, four concerns—all of them related to finances—are most

strongly related overall with Massachusetts residents who rate the quality of life for themselves

and their families as fair or poor:

� The cost of living. Forty-nine percent of residents who rate their personal quality of life as

fair or poor say the cost of living is a big problem for them and their families, compared with

13% of those who rate their quality of life as very good or excellent (+36).

� Local job opportunities. Forty percent of residents who rate their quality of life as fair or

poor report that job opportunities in their local area are a big problem, compared with 11%

of those who rate their quality of life as very good or excellent (+29).

� The cost of health care. Forty percent of residents who rate their quality of life as fair or poor

deem the affordability of quality health care a big problem, compared with 16 percent of

those who rate their quality of life as very good or excellent (+24).

� The cost of a college education. Forty percent of residents who rate their quality of life as

fair or poor say the affordability of a college education is a big problem, compared with 20

percent of those who rate their quality of life as very good or excellent (+20).

This list demonstrates how important financial resources and stability are to Massachusetts

residents’ feelings of personal satisfaction and family well-being. It is instructive because it suggests

that while the most financially vulnerable residents and families will likely be the most unhappy

overall, any improvement in residents’ personal financial circumstances will likely go a long way

towards a more positive sense of personal well-being.

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCESLike the American public as a whole, Massachusetts residents tend to name money problems or

other financial issues as the top problem facing their family today. Twenty-five percent name gen-

eral financial concerns or difficulty making ends meet as the top problem—no other problem is

mentioned by as many as 10 percent. Massachusetts residents rate their personal financial situation

significantly lower than their overall quality of life. A majority (56%) describe their own financial

situation positively—good to excellent—but that leaves over four in 10 (43%) who give it a neg-


A third of state residents say it has become more difficult to afford to live the kind of life they want over the past five years.

ative rating of fair or poor. Negative financial ratings are twice

as common as negative ratings for personal quality of life in

general (43% vs. 20%).

While some people hold a positive opinion of their life despite

money problems, financial difficulties nearly always affect those

least satisfied with their quality of life. Eighty-three percent who

rate their personal quality of life as fair or poor describe their

financial status in negative terms.

Geographically, those struggling with their finances are

more likely to live in urban communities. Forty-nine percent

of urban residents, compared with 39 percent of suburbanites

rate their financial situation as fair or poor. In the Greater

Boston area, there is a sharp contrast between the majority

(59%) in Suffolk County who rate their finances negatively

and the majority (61%) of those living outside of Suffolk

County who feel positively about their personal finances.

As shown in Table 10, the usual differences in personal finan-

cial circumstances are seen by socioeconomic status. Those who

see themselves as part of the upper class mostly give very positive

ratings to their financial status (59% very good or excellent);

those who identify with the middle class tend to see things as

good (50%); those who see themselves as working class or poor

solidly say things are fair or poor (70%). By household income,

the dividing line seems to be at $60,000 per year. The percent

who regard their personal financial status negatively increased

from about one-third (31%) to nearly one-half (47%) between the $60,000-$100,000 and $25,000-

$60,000 category. Those struggling the most with finances these days include single parents, 70 per-

cent of whom rate their financial situation negatively.

Most likely a reflection of things like real estate prices and the cost of higher education, young

adults under 30 are having a tougher time financially than their elder counterparts. Half (52%)

of those aged 18 to 29 rate their financial status as fair or poor.

As the economic climate has turned more negative since the boom times of the late 1990s, fully

a third (33%) of state residents say it has become more difficult for their family to afford to live the

kind of life they want over the past five years. Fewer than one in 10 state residents (8%) reports that

it has become easier during this same period. The more sluggish economy has taken the greatest

toll on Massachusetts families already most vulnerable. Demographically, reports that things have

become more difficult economically are most common among single parents (48%), those with

family incomes of $25,000 or less (47%), minorities (44%), and those who see themselves as work-

ing class or poor (43%). By region, feelings of losing economic ground are most prevalent in

Suffolk County (41%) and Western Massachusetts (42%).

More widespread than the direct effects of today’s economy on Massachusetts families’ eco-

nomic circumstances are the psychological effects. Close to half (47%) of all Massachusetts adults

say their family has felt a lot of stress over the past five years because of financial stress. Although,


TABLE 10B: Personal Financial Situation by Key DemographicsPercent Saying… Exc./V. Good Good Fair/Poor (N)

TOTAL MASS. RES. 21 35 43 1,001

AGE

18-29 19 29 52 15730-49 17 40 43 44150-64 29 36 35 24265 and older 22 32 44 144

EDUCATION

Total no college 15 32 51 347Some college 21 34 44 195College graduates 28 40 31 455

ANNUAL INCOME

$25,000 or less 4 23 73 132$25,000–$60,000 17 36 47 355$60,000–$100,000 22 46 31 249$100,000 or more 52 39 10 142

RACE

Non-Hispanic white 22 37 40 851Total non-white 14 33 49 95

SELF-REPORTED CLASS

Upper class 59 30 11 155Middle class 23 50 27 464Working class/Poor 7 23 70 362

A quarter say they have taken on more debt than they can handle.

once again, those most affected are the lower socioeconomic groups, high proportions of more

upscale groups like college graduates (40%), those with family incomes of $60,000-$100,000, and

those who say they are middle class (38%) also report having felt a lot of financial stress in recent

years. There is also a dividing line by age, with over half of those aged 30 to 49 (56%), and under

30 (52%) feeling major financial stress.

In these more uncertain economic times, four in 10 (42%) Bay Staters say their family has post-

poned a major purchase in the past five years, and a quarter (25%) say they have taken on more

debt than they can handle. Smaller numbers report having maxed out credit cards (17%) and

being unable to keep up with payment on a loan. Demographically, reports of being overburdened

by debt are most prevalent among single parents (55%), those in non-retirement households

where no one is currently working (39%), and non-whites (37%). Western Massachusetts stands

out as the region where families are most likely to have overextended themselves by taking on too

much debt in the past five years—over a third (36%) of those in this region have done so.

WHAT IS A MIDDLE CLASS LIFESTYLE?When asked to describe their social class, less than half of Massachusetts residents (43%) identify

with the middle class. In fact, about the same number (42%) feel they are below the middle class,

calling themselves working class (33%) or poor (9%). Thirteen percent see themselves at the upper

end of the SES scale, calling themselves upper middle class (12%) or wealthy (1%). In terms of self-

perceived class, Massachusetts does not differ significantly from the nation as a whole. (Nationally,

a 2001 survey found the following breakdown in self-reported

social class: 14% upper middle class/wealthy; 40% middle

class; 45% working class/poor).

The following profile of the social strata in Massachusetts,

based on people’s self-perceptions is reasonably consistent with

more objective definitions of social class from demographers

and other social scientists. Those who see themselves as upper

class are concentrated in the $100,000 and above household in-

come category (49%). Those in the middle class predominately

fall into the $25,000-$100,000 range (68%). The working class/

poor category appears to overlap somewhat to include a segment

of struggling families who might technically be counted as mid-

dle class. Close to half in the working class/poor category are in

the $25,000-$60,000 category, while just under a third (29%)

are in the $25,000 or less category.

Respondents’ reports about their financial resources, material

possessions, and household services paint a statistical portrait

of how lifestyles differ by class. This analysis reveals the follow-

ing class distinctions:

� Upper class families are the only group that is reasonably

well protected for their financial future. Majorities say

they have enough home and property insurance (84%), life

insurance (69%), and money for emergency expenses.

Among the middle class, home and property insurance

—a standard requirement for anyone with a mortgage—


TABLE 11B: Financial Profile of Three Classes

Upper Middle WorkingSelf-Reported Social Class Class Class Class/Poor

ANNUAL INCOME

$100,000 or more 49 12 1$60,000–$100,000 26 29 15$25,000–$60,000 13 39 46$25,000 or less 2 8 29Undesignated 10 12 9

100 100 100

FINANCIAL RESOURCES (HAVE “ENOUGH”)

Home and property insurance 84 64 37Life insurance 69 44 28Money set aside for emergencies 55 34 10Money set aside for retirement 34 27 9Money set aside for long-term care 34 17 6Money for children’s college* 19 9 1*Based on parents of children under 18 (n=354)

CONSUMER GOODS AND SERVICES

Cable or satellite TV 87 85 83High-speed Internet access at home 66 45 34Two or more computers at home 58 33 18Snow removal or landscaping help 47 32 17Three or more cars or other vehicles 33 23 18Housekeeping help 39 9 4A second home 28 12 4Number of Interviews (155) (464) (362)

is the only one of these kinds of protections of which a majority (64%) say they have

enough. Only a third (34%) say they have enough put away for emergency expenses. For the

working class and poor, the situation is much worse. Only 10% of this group have enough

put away for emergency expenses and close to half (44%) say they have no money at all put

away for this purpose.

� As far as money for retirement, long-term care, and money for kids’ college, no group—not

even the upper class—tends to feel adequately prepared financially. Many working class and

poor families having no financial resources at all in these areas.

� Cable or satellite television is something that all Massachusetts families generally have,

regardless of class. But when it comes to computer technology, there is a fairly large class

divide. High-speed Internet access is found among two-thirds (66%) of upper class fami-

lies, compared with just under half (45%) of middle class families, and a third (34%) of

working class/poor families. Similarly, a majority (58%) of upper class families have two or

more computers, while only a third (33%) of middle class families, and about a fifth (18%)

of working class/poor families have multiple computers.

� Second homes and housekeeping help are mostly limited to the upper class. Only 12% of

middle class families have a second home or vacation property, and just 9% have house-

keeping help. Snow removal or landscaping help and two or more cars in the household are

less likely to be limited to the better off. A third (32%) of middle class families say they have

snow removal or landscaping help, and about a quarter (23%) of middle class families have

multiple cars.

CRIME AND SAFETY CONCERNSCrime in the Local CommunityMassachusetts residents generally feel safe from crime when they are in their

own homes and neighborhoods, and that sense of security extends to feel-

ings of safety in their community at large. Practically all residents say they

feel very safe (77%) or somewhat safe (20%) from crime when they are at

home at night. And a large majority (88%) report they feel safe when walk-

ing in their neighborhood after dark, including about half (53%) who say

they feel very safe.

� Large majorities across state regions and demographic subgroups feel

secure in their own homes and when walking in their neighborhoods

after dark. Still, the degree to which residents feel safe from crime in their

neighborhoods varies somewhat and is related to several factors.

� Community size is important to feelings of personal safety. Suburban

residents are more likely than their urban counterparts (62% vs. 36%) to

say they feel very safe when walking in their neighborhoods after dark.

� In contrast, women, residents whose annual incomes are under $25,000 and racial and ethnic

minorities are less likely than others to report feeling very safe in their neighborhoods after

dark. Single parents of children under 18 are also less likely to say they feel safe in this situation.

The overall sense of personal safety expressed by Massachusetts residents is reflected in their per-

ceptions of crime in the broader context of “where they live.” Six in 10 residents (59 percent) say

crime, drugs, and violence are not a problem at all in their local community. And of the residents


DISPARITIES IN FEELINGS OF SAFETY IN ONE’S NEIGHBORHOOD AFTER DARK

SEX % Who Feel Very SafeMen 63Women 43

RACE/ETHNICITY

Non-Hispanic whites 55Blacks and other minorities 38

ANNUAL INCOME

$60,000 or more 67$25,000 to under $60,000 48Less than $25,000 36

PARENTS

Married 59Single 36

who consider crime at least somewhat of a problem (40%), only 9% describe it as a “big” problem.

The Threat of TerrorismFear of terrorism is minimal in Massachusetts, more than a year after the terrorist attacks of Septem-

ber 11, 2001 involving airplanes that originated in Boston’s Logan Airport. Fully half of the Massa-

chusetts public say they do not feel any less safe where they live or work than they did before the

attacks. Another 24 percent report feeling only a little less safe. A quarter of the public indicate they

feel more vulnerable since the 2001 attacks, but very few residents (6%) say they feel a lot less safe.

� Massachusetts figures on this measure are similar to national figures collected in August of

2002. At that time, a Newsweek poll found that a majority of adults nationwide (68%) felt

about as safe then as they had before the September 11, 2001 attacks.

� The sense of relative safety from potential terrorists threats is statewide, with no significant

differences by region or community size.

� Women are more likely than men (30% vs. 19%) to say they feel less safe than they did before

the attacks of September 11, 2001. Blacks and other minorities (37%) are also more likely to

report feeling less safe, compared with whites (23%).

WORK AND JOB SATISFACTIONMassachusetts workers put a lot of time in on their jobs. Among all employed adults, 36 percent

work a “normal” schedule of 35 to 44 hours per week, and another 20 percent work part-time

hours (under 35). As many as four in 10 (30%) work 45 hours or more, including 12 percent who

work 60 hours or more. It appears that living a good life often means more time on the job.

Longer work schedules of 45 or more hours a week are common among those who see themselves

as upper class (51%) and those with household incomes of $100,000 or more (53%). Beyond a

certain level, however, long hours appear to create disaffection—those who spend 60 or more

hours a week on the job are more negative in their perceptions of the overall quality of life in

Massachusetts.

The majority of employed adults in Massachusetts (55%) spend less than a half hour com-

muting to work, including 3% who work at home. In western Massachusetts, workers’ commutes

tend to be shorter, compared to the statewide average (72% spend less than 30 minutes getting to

their job). About one in 10 (12%) adult workers in the state has a very long commute of 60 min-

utes or more. Very long commutes, like long hours on the job,

are associated with more negative perceptions of the overall

quality of life in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts workers seem quite satisfied with their jobs

overall—close to half (48%) say they are very satisfied and

about four in 10 (40%) are at least somewhat satisfied. Those

who identify themselves as upper class are more likely to be

very satisfied than middle class or working class/poor workers

(66% vs. 46% and 42%, respectively).

In terms of specific job attributes, Massachusetts workers

tend to express the highest level of satisfaction with their job


TABLE 12B: Elements of Job Satisfaction Based on those who are employed (n=684)

Very Somewhat TotalPercent Saying… Satisfied Satisfied Satisfied

Your job overall 48 40 88Your job security 49 32 81Your health ins. & other benefits 38 34 72Opportunities for job training 38 32 70The amount of on-the-job-stress 21 43 64Your chances for promotion 31 29 60

It appears that living a good life often means more time on the job.

security (81% satisfied, including 49% very satisfied). Analysis shows that feelings about job secu-

rity, along with perceptions about job training opportunities and opportunities for promotion are

strong predicators of overall job satisfaction. Although high job security ratings might seem

unusual at a time of economic uncertainty, it is consistent with recent national polling that sug-

gests workers feel more secure about their jobs than they did five years ago. As the downturn of

the late 1980s appeared to darken people’s economic perceptions well into the 1990s, the late

1990s boom may be having a lingering effect on people’s current economic perceptions.

Overall, majorities say they are very or somewhat satisfied with their health insurance and

other benefits (72%), opportunities for job training (70%), the amount of job stress (64%), and

chances for promotion (60%). On the question of job training, the vast majority (82%) of Massa-

chusetts workers say they could use more training and education to get ahead in their job, but

more say they could use a little more training (48%) than a lot more training (34%). Workers who

identify themselves as upper class tend to say they don’t need any more training, while those with

middle class status or below tend to say they need a little more training. Southeastern Massachu-

setts is the region where workers are significantly more likely to say they need a lot more training

(32% vs. 16% of all workers statewide).

CHILDREN AND SCHOOLSMassachusetts residents generally paint a positive picture of the state as a place for children. Half

say their local community is a very good (31%) or excellent (22%) place to raise children, while

another 26 percent rate their community as a good place to do so. In addition, the public schools—

the source of most Massachusetts children’s primary education—are well regarded.

As noted earlier in this report, majorities say they have confidence in the public schools in their

local communities (68%) and that the quality of education provided by their local schools is not

a problem (52%). There is some critical opinion of public schools, but only when residents are

asked to evaluate schools in the state as a whole. In this context, a majority of residents (62%) say

primary and secondary education (grades K-12) needs at least some improvement.

� While there is widespread agreement across the state that K-12 education needs at least some

improvement, residents living in urban areas are more likely than their suburban counter-

parts (29% vs. 21%) to say primary and secondary education needs major improvement.

This pattern is evident in the Greater Boston area specifically, where a larger percentage of

Suffolk County residents compared with those living in areas outside of Boston (37% vs.

24%) report that K-12 education needs major improvement.

� Regionally, residents of the Greater Boston area as a whole are more likely than those in South-

eastern and Central Massachusetts (26% vs. 18% and 17%) to say K-12 education needs major

improvement. Opinions of Western Massachusetts residents are not significantly different

from those in any of the other three regions.

Parents’ ViewsWhen it comes to perceptions of children’s well-being and of school performance it is parents’ opin-

ions that matter most. Like the general Massachusetts public, parents of children under 18 indicate

that the state is a good place to raise and educate children. More than half of parents character-

ize their local community as a very good (33%) or excellent (24%) place to raise children, and 26

percent say their community is a good place to do so. Relatively few parents give their community

negative ratings of fair (12%) or poor (5%) as a place to bring up kids.


� Not all parents are as satisfied as these overall figures suggest. Specifically, only half as many

single parents compared with married parents (38% vs. 63%) rate their community as a

very good or an excellent place to raise children.

� Single parents in the survey are more likely than married parents to represent the views of

certain demographic subgroups. Specifically, single parents are more likely to be female,

under age 30, black or another racial or ethnic minority, to live in urban areas and to identi-

fy as working class or poor; they are less likely to be college graduates or currently employed.

Many live in Suffolk County (22%), while very few live in Southeastern Massachusetts (4%).

The combination of these background characteristics renders single parents and their chil-

dren among the more vulnerable families in Massachusetts.

Local Public Schools And School ReformParents of children under 18 express a great deal of confidence in their local public schools. Three

in four (75%) say they have at least some confidence in their local schools, including 39 percent

who say they have a lot of confidence in

them. Parents of school-age children, those

aged 5 to 17, are especially confident in the

schools. By comparison, two-thirds of those

who do not have children (65%) say they

have at least some confidence in their local

public schools, with only 30 percent giving

the schools the highest vote of confidence.

Parents’ favorable views of the schools are

pervasive, particularly in reference to the

schools their children attend. A large majority

of those with children aged 5 to 17 say they are

very (57%) or somewhat (31%) satisfied

with their youngest school-age child’s

school. Among those who have a child in

public school, 63 percent say they feel they

have enough choices about where the child

goes to school. About a third of these public school parents (35%), however, are not happy with the

choices they have. Similarly, a majority of public school parents (58%) report that the state’s edu-

cation reform efforts have begun to pay off in their child’s school, but 35 percent feel that such

reforms have not yet made a difference.

The performance of schools is a topic on which single and married parents come together, even

as considerably fewer single parents express a lot of confidence in their local public schools. This

is a significant phenomenon given the disparity between these two groups on overall quality of

life for their families and specific problems impacting family well-being. As shown in the accom-

panying chart, majorities of both married and single parents express positive views about the job

performance of their child’s school, school choice and the impact of state education reform.

BALANCING CAREER AND FAMILYIn Massachusetts, many residents are successfully managing to balance work and family. Half of

residents who are now employed either full or part-time say they hardly ever (37%) or never

(16%) experience conflicts between their work responsibilities and family responsibilities. Still, a


PARENTS’ VIEWS OF LOCAL SCHOOLS: AN AREA OF COMMON GROUND

Parents of Married SinglePercent Saying… Kids 5-17 Parents ParentsHave a lot of confidence in local public schools 43 43 28

Are very satisfied with their youngest child’s school 57 58 54

Have a child in public school 78 77 82

And…Have enough choices about where child goes to school 63 66 51

Feel state school reform efforts have begun to payoff in their child’s school 58 60 50

sizable minority (45%) say this happens at least sometimes.

� Geographically, residents of Greater Boston are more likely than those in any other region

to be caught in this dilemma. Fully half of Greater Boston residents say they often or some-

times experience conflicts between work and family. In comparison, about four in 10 resi-

dents of Western (39%), Southeastern (37%), or Central (36%) Massachusetts report expe-

riencing conflicts between family and work on a regular basis.

� With the exception of parent status, there are no compelling demographic differences relat-

ed to work and family conflict. As might be expected, parents of children under 18 are more

likely than those who do not have children (55% vs. 39%) to say they regularly experience

conflicts between their work and family responsibilities.

When work and family conflict, it is generally family that is neglected. Among those who say

they ever experience such conflicts, half (50%) admit that their family duties usually suffer more

than their work duties. About a third (34%) say it is work-related duties that are neglected.

Time Pressure And Family RelationshipsChronically feeling pressed for time can adversely affect personal well-being and can be especially

hard on family relationships. The good news in Massachusetts is that most residents are content

with the amount of leisure time they have for themselves and with their families. Specifically,

majorities of residents say they are satisfied with the amount of time they spend with their spouses

(83%), have for relaxation and leisure activities (74%), and spend exercising or playing sports

(61%). Likewise, a large majority of parents (84%) say they are satisfied with the amount of time

they spend with their children.

This pattern of contentment is evident among all types of households, particularly when con-

sidering overall satisfaction. An analysis of those who are very satisfied, however, reveals some

important differences by family status:

� Married. Residents who are married are less likely than those who are not currently married

or living as married (29% vs. 41%) to be very satisfied with the amount of time they have

for relaxation and leisure activities.

� Married With Children. Parents of children under 18 who are married are less likely than

single parents (45% vs. 68%) to be very satisfied with the amount of time they spend with

their children.

� Working Moms. Mothers who are currently working outside of the home are less likely than

moms who do not work outside of the home (54% vs. 77%) to be very satisfied with the

amount of time they spend with their children.

Many Massachusetts residents say that more money, as opposed to free time, is what they need.

Given such widespread satisfaction with the amount of time they have for themselves and their

families, and the strong link between personal finances and perceived well-being, this is not sur-

prising. When asked whether the quality of their lives would benefit more from more household


For middle class families, the affordability of a college education andjob prospects for their children are major sources of concern.

income or more free time, half of residents who are currently working (53%) choose the extra

money. About four in 10 say the extra free time would do them more good.

� As might be expected, the larger residents’ annual incomes, the more likely it is they opt for

time over money. For example, 63% of those making $100,000 or more per year say extra

free time would improve their lives more than money, compared with 38% of those in the

next lower income bracket of $60,000 to $100,000.

� Married residents, those who are married with children, and those who sometimes experi-

ence conflicts between work and family are also more likely to say the their lives would ben-

efit more from additional free time more so than additional income.

IV. LOOKING AHEAD: EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FUTUREMassachusetts residents are generally optimistic about what the future holds for their state and

are still more optimistic about the future outlook for their own families. However, that doesn’t

mean that residents don’t have any worries about the future. For middle class families, concerns

about the affordability of college education and job prospects for their children are major sources

of concern. For the most vulnerable Massachusetts families, lack of retirement savings is another

major concern that clouds their future.

OPTIMISTS AND PESSIMISTS: WHO THEY ARE AND WHERE THEY LIVEWhen asked how the overall quality of life in Massachusetts is likely to change over the next five

years, public opinion breaks down as follows: 36 percent see improvement, 26 percent predict wors-

ening conditions, and 30 percent believe conditions will stay about the same. Response to a similar

question about changes in the quality of life at the personal level is significantly more positive

(52% better, 11% worse, and 32% about the same).

To allow for better analysis of subgroup differences, 59 percent of state residents were classi-

fied as “optimists” about their state’s future by combining those who predict a better life with

those who think things are good to excellent now and will stay the same in the future. Similarly,

33 percent were classified as “pessimists” by combining those who see worse times ahead with

those who see conditions as fair or poor today and likely to stay

the same. Using this same process for classifying people’s views

about their family’s future, 77 percent are optimists and 17

percent are pessimists.

By region, residents of Western Massachusetts stand out as

most negative in their attitudes about the state’s future. As many

people in Western Massachusetts are pessimistic as are opti-

mistic (46% vs. 46%). However, this regional pattern does not

hold for perceptions of quality of life for their families.

Regionally, there are no significant differences in perceptions.

In addition, the distribution of optimists and pessimists is

about the same in urban areas as it is in the suburbs.

Demographically, the biggest differences in perceptions of the

future are found by age and socioeconomic status. As shown in Table 14, optimism about both

the state’s future and one’s personal future is highest among the youngest age cohort (under 30) and

the highest income level ($100,000 or more). Interestingly, those who identify with the middle

class are about as optimistic about the future as those who see themselves as upper class. People


TABLE 13B: Attitudes Toward the Future by Geography

Future of Massachusetts Personal FutureOptimists Pessimists Optimists Pessimists

TOTAL MASS. RESIDENTS 59% 33% 77% 17%

REGION

Greater Boston 62% 30% 81% 15%Southeastern Mass. 52% 40% 73% 21%Central Mass. 63% 28% 73% 21%Western Mass. 46% 46% 70% 23%

COMMUNITY SIZE

Urban 60% 32% 80% 15%Suburban 58% 34% 76% 19%

who identify as working class or poor have mixed views about where the state is headed (49% opti-

mistic vs. 42% pessimistic), but hold generally positive views about their own family’s future (70%

optimistic vs. 24% pessimistic).

OBSTACLES TO FUTURE HAPPINESSAn indication that the American Dream is still very much alive in Massachusetts, 68 percent of

parents statewide expect their children to be better off than themselves when they grow up; only

21 percent think their children will be worse off. The percentage of parents who expect their chil-

dren to be better off does not vary significantly by perceived social class (66% of upper class par-

ents, 70% of middle class parents, and 68% of working class/poor parents feel this way). In the

mid-1990s, Massachusetts parents were less likely to feel their children would have it better (57%

better off vs. 32% worse off).

Despite more optimism about the future for their children,

Massachusetts residents’ top worries about their personal future

are related to their children. Concerns about the escalating cost

of higher education and uncertainty about the job situation

down the road top their list of worries for the future:

� Eighty percent say they are at least somewhat concerned

they won’t be able to afford to send a son or daughter to

the kind of college they would like, including 41% who

are very concerned.

� Seventy-three percent say they are at least somewhat con-

cerned that their children might not have good job

opportunities, including 41% who are very concerned.

� Both these concerns register significantly higher than the

concern for the future that ranks third on the public’s list

—the adequacy of their own retirement savings. In total,

66% are at least somewhat concerned about not having

enough savings for retirement, including 30% who are

very concerned.

� Other concerns that rate below the top three include wor-

ries about maintaining one’s current standard of living

(59% concerned/23% very concerned), inability to afford

necessary health care (56%/29%), having to care for an

aging parent or relative (52%/22%), losing one’s home or

not being able to afford one (41%/23%), and losing one’s

job or taking a pay cut (40%/19%).

Concerns about the affordability of college education and the availability of job opportunities

for one’s children vary by socioeconomic status. The $60,000 annual income level is the critical

point—concern spikes when income is below this line. In the $60,000-$100,000 income bracket

about a quarter (27%) are very concerned about the affordability of college and a third (33%) are

very worried about job opportunities for their children. In the $25,000-$60,000 income bracket,

the percentage very worried doubles to 55 percent for college affordability and almost doubles to

54 percent for kids’ job opportunities.


TABLE 14B: Attitudes Toward the Future by Demographics

Future of Massachusetts Personal FutureOptimists Pessimists Optimists Pessimists

TOTAL MASS. RESIDENTS 59% 33% 77% 17%

AGE

18-29 66% 32% 89% 9%30-49 60% 34% 81% 14%50-64 58% 34% 77% 18%65 and older 49% 32% 56% 32%

EDUCATION

Total no college 59% 33% 75% 20%Some college 55% 32% 77% 16%College graduates 61% 34% 81% 15%

ANNUAL INCOME

$25,000 or less 56% 33% 64% 32%$25,000–$60,000 56% 38% 78% 16%$60,000–$100,000 66% 27% 85% 11%$100,000 or more 67% 27% 89% 10%

RACE

Non-Hispanic white 59% 33% 73% 18%Total non-white 55% 40% 77% 14%

SELF-REPORTED CLASS

Upper class 64% 28% 85% 13%Middle class 68% 26% 83% 12%Working class/Poor 49% 42% 70% 24%

Those pessimistic about their family’s future also worry about their children, but what distin-

guishes them from the optimists is a different set of concerns, more associated with those strug-

gling to attain or hold onto middle class status. As shown in Table 15, the areas of concern where

pessimists differ most from optimists are high levels of concern about losing their home, inade-

quate retirement savings, and inability to simply maintain their current standard of living.

TABLE 15B: Concerns for Future That Distinguish Pessimists

“Very Concerned”Optimists Pessimists Difference

Losing your home because you can’t afford to keep it/Being unable to afford your own home 20 33 +13

Not having enough money for retirement 27 39 +12Being unable to maintain your current standard of living 21 33 +12Having to care for an aging parent or relative 21 25 +4Your children not having good job opportunities 39 42 +3Losing your job or taking a cut in pay 18 21 +3Not having adequate child care when you go to work* 18 19 +1Being unable to afford to send a son or daughter tothe kind of college you’d like 40 38 -2*Based on parents of children under 18 (n=354)

RETIREMENT CONCERNSMassachusetts residents tend to say they have some savings (52%), but only one in five (20%)

claims to have enough money stashed away and one in four (24%) has nothing at all. As noted pre-

viously, 40 percent of those who see themselves as working class or poor report having nothing

put away for retirement. Demographic subgroups most likely to have no retirement savings at all

at the present time include single parents (51%), racial or ethnic minorities (43%) and those aged

18 to 29 (44%). By region, Western Massachusetts includes the highest number (34%) with noth-

ing saved for retirement.

Overall, nearly a third (30%) of Massachusetts residents are very concerned about the ade-

quacy of their retirement savings. But this level of concern is significantly higher among those

most vulnerable families who are struggling just to get by from day to day. The following sub-

groups are most likely to say they are very worried about their retirement savings: single parents

(59%), racial or ethnic minorities (51%), those with household incomes of $25,000 or less (50%),

and those who identify themselves as working class or poor (45%).

When it comes to retirement savings concerns, the major issue for most Massachusetts residents

seems to be having sufficient finances to invest rather than knowing how to invest them. Overall,

two-thirds of the adult public (66%) say they feel they have enough information to adequately

plan for their retirement and an even larger number (80%) say they feel very or somewhat confi-

dent about their own ability to make the right decisions about saving and investment for retire-

ment. The information gaps that do exist are concentrated among those who are least in a posi-

tion to save. Sixty percent of those with a household income of $25,000 or less say they need more

information to plan their retirement. Other groups more likely to want more information include

minorities (47%), single parents (43%), those with no more than a high school education (41%),

and those who identify themselves as working class or poor.


APPENDIX

ABOUT PRINCETON SURVEY RESEARCH ASSOCIATESPrinceton Survey Research Associates is an independent firm dedicated to high-quality research

providing reliable, valid results for clients in the United States and around the world. PSRA offers

innovative research design, methodologically-sound procedures, careful supervision of data col-

lection, sophisticated data analysis and clear, insightful and engaging reports.

PSRA has designed and implemented complex research efforts for clients ranging from foun-

dations and non-profits, to news organizations and major international corporations. Our clients

include the Pew Research Center, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, the Commonwealth

Fund, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Newsweek magazine and the Knight-Ridder

newspapers.

PSRA maintains independence on all issues of public debate and does no work for political

candidates or parties.

SURVEY METHODOLOGYSummaryThe Massachusetts Quality of Life Survey, sponsored by MassINC, obtained telephone interviews

with a representative sample of 1001 adults living in Massachusetts telephone households. The inter-

views were conducted in English by Princeton Data Source, LLC from January 20 to February 2,

2003. Statistical results are weighted to correct known demographic discrepancies. The margin of

sampling error for the complete set of weighted data is ±3%.

Details on the design, execution and analysis of the survey are discussed below.

DESIGN AND DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURESSample DesignThe sample was designed to represent the Massachusetts adult population in telephone house-

holds. The telephone sample was provided by Survey Sampling, Inc. (SSI) according to PSRA spec-

ifications. The sample was drawn using standard list-assisted random digit dialing (RDD)

methodology. Active blocks of telephone numbers (area code + exchange + two-digit block num-

ber) that contained three or more residential directory listings were selected with probabilities in

proportion to their share of listed telephone households; after selection two more digits were

added randomly to complete the number. This method guarantees coverage of every assigned

phone number regardless of whether that number is directory listed, purposely unlisted, or too

new to be listed. After selection, the numbers were compared against business directories and

matching numbers purged.

Questionnaire Development and TestingThe questionnaire was developed by PSRA in collaboration with staff of MassINC. In order to

improve the quality of the data, the questionnaire was pretested with a small number of respon-

dents using listed telephone numbers. The pretest interviews were monitored by PSRA staff and con-

ducted using experienced interviewers who could best judge the quality of the answers given and

the degree to which respondents understood the questions. Some final changes were made to the

questionnaire based on the monitored pretest interviews.


Contact ProceduresInterviews were conducted from January 20 to February 2, 2003. As many as 10 attempts were

made to contact every sampled telephone number. Sample was released for interviewing in repli-

cates, which are representative subsamples of the larger sample. Using replicates to control the

release of sample ensures that complete call procedures are followed for the entire sample. It also

ensures that the geographic distribution of numbers called is appropriate.

Calls were staggered over times of day and days of the week to maximize the chance of making

contact with potential respondents. Each household received at least one daytime call in an attempt

to find someone at home. In each contacted household, interviewers asked to speak with the

youngest male currently at home. If no male was available, interviewers asked to speak with the

oldest female at home. This systematic respondent selection technique has been shown to produce

samples that closely mirror the population in terms of age and gender.

WEIGHTING AND ANALYSISWeighting is generally used in survey analysis to compensate for patterns of nonresponse that

might bias results. The interviewed sample of all adults was

weighted to match Massachusetts parameters for sex, age, edu-

cation, race, Hispanic origin and region (County groups based

on FIPS1). These parameters came from a special analysis of the

March 2002 Current Population Survey (CPS) that included all

households in Massachusetts that had a telephone.

Weighting was accomplished using Sample Balancing, a spe-

cial iterative sample weighting program that simultaneously bal-

ances the distributions of all variables using a statistical technique

called the Deming Algorithm. Finally, weights were trimmed to

prevent individual interviews from having too much influence

on the final results. The use of these weights in statistical analy-

sis ensures that the demographic characteristics of the sample

closely approximate the demographic characteristics of the Massa-

chusetts population. Table 1C compares weighted and unweight-

ed sample distributions to population parameters.

EFFECTS OF SAMPLE DESIGN ON STATISTICAL INFERENCEPost-data collection statistical adjustments require analysis pro-

cedures that reflect departures from simple random sampling.

PSRA calculates the effects of these design features so that an

appropriate adjustment can be incorporated into tests of statis-

tical significance when using these data. The so-called “design

effect” or deff represents the loss in statistical efficiency that

results from systematic non-response. The total sample design

effect for this survey is 1.17.

1. Region was determined based on counties from the FIPS codes. The definition is as follows:1 Greater Boston (Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk Counties)2 Southeastern (Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties)3 Western/Central (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester Counties).


Table 1C: Sample DemographicsParameter Unweighted Weighted

GENDER

Male 48.3 48.0 48.6Female 51.7 52.0 51.4

AGE

18-24 11.7 9.6 11.225-34 18.6 15.1 18.435-44 22.1 25.8 22.345-54 18.7 20.5 19.155-64 12.5 14.3 12.865+ 16.4 14.6 16.2

EDUCATION

Less than HS Grad. 13.8 7.0 12.1HS Grad. 33.6 27.8 34.0Some College 20.4 19.6 20.8College Grad. 32.2 45.6 33.1

REGION BASED ON FIPS

Greater Boston 63.0 55.1 62.3Southeastern Mass. 12.3 14.0 12.4Western/Central Mass. 24.7 30.9 25.3

RACE/ETHNICITY

White/not Hispanic 83.5 86.4 84.3Black/not Hispanic 7.1 4.0 6.1Hispanic 6.2 4.6 6.1Other/not Hispanic 3.3 5.1 3.4

PSRA calculates the composite design effect for a sample of size n, with each case having a

weight, wi as:

formula 1 deff = --------------------------------

In a wide range of situations, the adjusted standard error of a statistic should be calculated by

multiplying the usual formula by the square root of the design effect (√deff ). Thus, the formula for

computing the 95% confidence interval around a percentage is:

formula 2 p̂ ± √—deff

_ x 1.96

where is the sample estimate and n is the unweighted number of sample cases in the group

being considered.

The survey’s margin of error is the largest 95% confidence interval for any estimated propor-

tion based on the total sample —the one around 50%. For example, the margin of error for the

entire sample is ±3%. This means that in 95 out every 100 samples drawn using the same method-

ology, estimated proportions based on the entire sample will be no more than three percentage

points away from their true values in the population. It is important to remember that sampling

fluctuations are only one possible source of error in a survey estimate. Other sources, such as

respondent selection bias, questionnaire wording, and reporting inaccuracy, may contribute addi-

tional error of greater or lesser magnitude.


Table 2C: Sample DispositionTotal Numbers dialed 5386

Business 508Computer/Fax 352Other Not-Working 375Additional projected NW 375Working numbers 3776 70.1%

No Answer 102Busy 23Answering Machine 418Callbacks 147Other Non-Contacts 70Contacted numbers 3016 79.9%

Initial Refusals 284Second Refusals 1429Cooperating numbers 1303 43.2%

No Adult in HH 48Language Barrier 173Eligible numbers 1082 83.0%

Interrupted 81Completes 1001 92.5%

Response Rate 31.9%

√———————————p̂ (1-p̂)––––––

n( )

(∑ wi)2

∑ w12

n

i=1

n

i=1

n

RESPONSE RATETable 2C reports the disposition of all sampled telephone numbers ever dialed from the original

telephone number sample. The response rate estimates the fraction of all eligible respondents in the

sample that were ultimately interviewed. At PSRA it is calculated by taking the product of three

component rates:2

� Contact rate—the proportion of working numbers where a request for interview was made

—of 79.9 percent3

� Cooperation rate—the proportion of contacted numbers where a consent for interview

was at least initially obtained, versus those refused—of 43.2 percent

� Completion rate—the proportion of initially cooperating and eligible interviews that were

completed—of 92.5 percent

Thus the response rate for this survey was 31.9 percent.

2. PSRA’s disposition codes and rate formulas are consistent with the American Association for Public Opinion Researchstandards.

3. PSRA assumes that 75 percent of cases that result in a constant disposition of "No answer" or "Busy" over 10 or moreattempts are actually not working numbers.


� The belief that average families need major tax relief is most commonly held by people of

color (57%), working mothers (57%), and those who identify themselves as working class

or poor (54%).

� More than 40% of all respondents rank their personal financial situation as either fair or poor.

� More than half (57%) of all parents are very satisfied with their child’s school, and only 5%

are not satisfied at all.

� Parents are particularly concerned for their children’s futures. Eighty-six percent say that the

state needs to improve the affordability of a college education.

� Seventy-seven percent of citizens report feeling very safe in their homes at night, and 53%

feel very safe when walking in their neighborhoods at night.

� Married residents largely find they are able to balance work and family. Only 6% report being

not at all satisfied with the amount of time they spend with their children and their spouses.

Women are significantly more likely than men to be very satisfied with the time they spend

with their children (60% vs. 39%).

� Families are grappling with many of the same concerns across the state’s regions—finances,

higher education affordability, the tax burden, and the way the health care system is working

—but there remain stark differences in perceptions and worries depending on where you live.

Table 2A: Top Regional Issues Rated in Need of Major Improvement

Region Issue Percentage

Greater Boston . . . . . . Housing affordability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60%

Southeastern Mass. . . . Higher education affordability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53%

Central Mass. . . . . . . . Amount paid in taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48%

Western Mass.. . . . . . . Availability of good-paying jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47%

� Newcomers—a diverse, young, educated population who moved to Massachusetts in the

last decade—emerge as a group to watch because of their economic and social value to the

state. Their specific concerns about the state’s cost of living endanger their longevity as res-

idents. One-third state they would leave if given the opportunity.

AREAS OF SATISFACTIONThere is a general sense of satisfaction with life in the Bay State. Most residents rate the quality of

life in Massachusetts as good (42%), and almost the same number believe it is very good to excellent

(29%) as fair to poor (28%). Seventy-seven percent think the quality of life is better than or the same

as other New England states. And when they compare Massachusetts to the rest of the country,

73% believe the quality of life is better or the same.

Citizens are also optimistic about what the future holds for the state and even more optimistic

about their own lives. Sixty-six percent believe life in Massachusetts will improve or stay about the

same over the next five years, while 84% see a similar picture for their families. This overwhelming


sense of personal optimism is not restricted to the well off. Middle class and working class families

hold similarly positive views about their family’s futures.

The key areas that highlight this general satisfaction are related primarily to what’s working in

the daily lives of those surveyed: Schools, jobs, neighborhood safety, and community institutions.

With a few exceptions, the closer you get to home, the more positive people feel about their qual-

ity of life.

CONFIDENCE IN COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONSLaw enforcement, local businesses and companies, and city and town government are held in high

esteem by Massachusetts residents. Eighty-seven percent report having a lot or some confidence

in police; 83% in local businesses and companies; and 68% in city and town government. Confid-

ence in state government is moderate. While only 10% of people express a lot of confidence, 44%

report some confidence.

Among these numbers are geographic and demographic distinctions, most notably among

people of color. They are more likely to express little or no confidence in some community insti-

tutions, such as local police (23% not too much/no confidence, 9% for white respondents), busi-

nesses (30% vs. 10%), and schools (34% vs. 18%).

The survey also examines two other pillars of the community: labor unions and religious

institutions. With a slightly higher rate of union membership in Massachusetts than the national

average, 46% of those surveyed express a lot or some confidence in labor unions. Twenty-eight

percent report having not too much confidence or no confidence, and 26% hold no opinion

whatsoever.

Confidence in religious institutions remains high. Almost two-thirds (64%) of the people say

they have a lot or some confidence in their church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious institu-

tion. At the same time, recent scandals within the Catholic Church may have eroded the extent to

which Catholics in Massachusetts trust the church to do its job when compared with other faiths.

Five in 10 Protestants report a lot of confidence in their church, while the number drops to three

in 10 among Catholics.

K-12 EDUCATIONAs the pathway to opportunity, a quality public education remains at the heart of the American

Dream. In this survey, more than three-quarters of families take advantage of public education,

and a clear majority feel good about what’s happening in the classroom. Fifty-seven percent are

very satisfied with their youngest child’s school, while only 5% report no satisfaction at all. Families

of color are less satisfied than white parents, but not by a wide margin (48% vs. 59% very satisfied).

That said, two-thirds of white parents feel they have enough school choices, while about half of

families of color feel similarly.

A decade ago, Massachusetts embarked on a landmark effort to improve and equalize its public

education system. The goal: access to an excellent education for every child regardless of income,

race, or zip code. What are the results? More than half of the parents surveyed (58%) believe that

reform is paying dividends in their children’s schools, but less than half are convinced that changes

are happening throughout the state (39%). Here again, there is a split along racial lines. Sixty-two

percent of white parents believe that reform efforts have improved education in their schools, as

compared to 39% of parents of color.


Chart 2A: Parents Who Believe

That Education Reform has

Paid Off in Their Child’s School

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

White ParentsParents of Color

62%

39%

Per

cent

Chart 1A: How Bay Staters

Rate the Quality of Life in

Massachusetts

Good 42% Fair/Poor28%

Excellent/Very Good

29%

Don’t Know/Refused 1%

THE WORK/FAMILY BALANCEThe challenges of parents juggling jobs and kids are well known, but Massachusetts families

appear to be satisfied. Only 6% of parents report being not at all satisfied with the amount of time

they spend with their spouses and children.

Perhaps not surprisingly, men and women view this issue differently, and the results may point

to an interesting generational shift. As more women have entered the labor market, they report

spending less time with their children than their own mothers spent with them, but they are increas-

ingly satisfied with that reality. Mothers are also significantly more satisfied with the time they

spend with their children than fathers. Sixty percent of mothers report being very satisfied, while

only 39% of dads feel that way. At the same time, more than half of all fathers (52%) say they are

spending more time with their children than their own fathers were able to spend with them.

JOB SATISFACTION AND SECURITYMassachusetts families are working long hours for their pay, but many report high levels of job satis-

faction. Forty-eight percent of workers report being very satisfied with their job, and an additional

40% report being somewhat satisfied. Those who self identify as being at the higher end of the

income ladder are more likely to be very satisfied with their job (66% upper class), but levels are

high across the board (46% middle class, 42% working class/poor).

In addition, even during this time of economic uncertainty, people do not seem worried about

losing their jobs. This is consistent with recent national polling that suggests workers feel more

secure about their jobs than they did five years ago. Eighty-one percent of all people are either very

or somewhat satisfied with their job security. This confidence is not limited to the well-educated;

those with a high school education or less feel similarly secure (82%).

PUBLIC SAFETYThe public safety revolution that began in the last decade has yielded a sense of safety and security

for citizens in every community. Seventy-seven percent of Massachusetts citizens feel very safe in

their homes after dark and 53% feel very safe when walking in their neighborhoods at night. Still,

the degree to which people feel safe is related to several factors.

Community size is important. Suburban residents are more likely than their urban counterparts

to feel very safe when they’re walking in their neighborhoods after dark (62% vs. 36%). In Suffolk

County (including the City of Boston), 35% report feeling very safe and 50% feel somewhat safe,

while only 4% report not feeling safe at all.

Race is also a factor. Only 38% of people of color say they feel very safe walking around their

neighborhoods at night, as compared with 55% of white residents. Women, residents with incomes

under $25,000, and single parents with children under 18 are also less likely to feel safe after dark.

THE STATE OF THE STATE: AREAS OF CONCERNWhile the first inclination for Bay State residents is to rate the state’s quality of life as generally good,

a closer look at the data reveals the concerns of families juggling an overheated housing market,

high taxes, and other affordability issues. In this survey, citizens offer specific policy areas they

believe need to be addressed by state leaders. Of the 14 they were asked to rate, majorities saw the

need for either major or some improvement in 12 of them.


Chart 3A: Percentage of Mass.

Residents Who Feel Very

Safe When Walking in Their

Neighborhoods at Night

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Suburban UrbanResidents Residents

62%

36%Per

cent

Table 3A: The Top Five Policy Areas Rated in Need of Major Improvement






In three other areas, smaller—but still sizable—numbers see a need for major improvements: the

political system (42%); availability of social services (39%); availability of good-paying jobs (38%).

THE DISSATISFIEDTwenty-eight percent of those surveyed rate the quality of life in Massachusetts as “fair to poor.”

In assessing what is not working in the state, those who express the least satisfaction offer a harsher

critique of these policy areas, including stronger criticism of the political system:

Table 4A: The Dissatisfied’s Top Five Policy Areas in Need of Major Improvement





The political system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57%

Unlike the general population, their concerns represent a combination of economic anxiety

and political alienation. A majority (61%) express “not too much” or “no confidence” in Massachu-

setts state government, and close to half feel the same way about local government (46%). Based

on the demographics, this group is less affluent, less well-educated, and more racially diverse.

REGIONAL SNAPSHOTSTo an extent, what’s working and what’s not working in Massachusetts depends on where you live.

There is near consensus on the state’s overall quality of life—only Western Massachusetts voices

dissatisfaction that is greater than the average—but economic disparities and varied demographic

profiles lead to a different set of top concerns.

Table 5A: Top Regional Issues Rated in Need of Major Improvement

Region Issue Percentage

Greater Boston . . . . . .Housing affordability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60%

Southeastern Mass. . . .Higher education affordability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53%

Central Mass. . . . . . . .Amount paid in taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48%

Western Mass. . . . . . . .Availability of good-paying jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47%

Greater Boston: Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Plymouth CountiesHousing and transportation infrastructure are the top concerns for those living in Greater Boston,

which includes the City of Boston in Suffolk County. As home prices continue to skyrocket out

of the average family’s reach, 60% put housing affordability at the top of their list of issues need-

ing major improvement. The road and traffic situation follows closely behind: more than half

(55%) want major improvements here too.


Suffolk County distinguishes itself in its views on taxation and education. While 47% of the

state cites the amount families have to pay in taxes as an area needing major improvement, the

number drops to 35% in Suffolk. Suffolk County is also distinct from the state’s other urban cen-

ters, where concern about taxes remains significantly higher (44%). Meanwhile, when asked about

the quality of education in the local public schools, nearly half (49%) of Suffolk County residents

believe the issue is a problem, while only 37% of Massachusetts residents share the same view.

Table 6A: Greater Boston’s Top Three Issues in Need of Major Improvement


The roads and the traffic situation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55%


Race relations are a larger concern in Greater Boston than across the state. Almost one-quarter

of Greater Boston residents (23%) believe that Massachusetts needs major improvement in race

relations, while only 11% of Central Massachusetts residents believe the same. In Suffolk County,

concern about race relations is even greater: 35% believe major improvement is needed, com-

pared to 20% of those living in the rest of Greater Boston.

Southeastern Massachusetts: Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket CountiesThe concerns of this region reflect the range of people who populate the urban centers of New

Bedford and Fall River, the suburbs in Plymouth County, and the retiree communities on Cape Cod

and the Islands. While higher education affordability tops their list of issues needing major

improvement (53%), the availability of good paying jobs follows closely behind (50%). Thirty-three

percent cite this as a big problem for their families—the highest among the state’s four regions.

While the proximity of Southeastern Massachusetts to Boston allows many residents to benefit

from a vital economy, families are increasingly forced to deal with associated burdens, including

escalating housing costs and development and traffic issues. Southeastern Massachusetts rates only

behind Greater Boston (52% vs. 60%) in its belief that housing affordability demands major im-

provement. Fifty-eight percent of Southeastern Massachusetts residents report feeling that the loss

of local charm and character due to widespread commercial and real estate development is at least

somewhat of a problem.

Table 7A: Southeastern Massachusetts’ Top Three Issues in Need of Major Improvement



The availability of good-paying jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50%

Southeastern Massachusetts expresses the greatest concern for social services, including help

for the homeless and mentally impaired, among the four regions. Forty-five percent believe this

area needs major improvement, as compared with 41% in Greater Boston, 32% in Western Massa-

chusetts and 30% in Central Massachusetts.

Central Massachusetts: Worcester CountyCentral Massachusetts reaped the rewards of a booming economy. During the 1990s, the region

boosted jobs and wages by a full 20%. Only in Greater Boston did wages increase more. This suc-

cess appears to have resulted in a sense of satisfaction and optimism. Forty percent of residents


think the state’s quality of life is better than in other parts of the country, and almost three-quar-

ters say they would not move from Massachusetts if given the opportunity.

Table 8A: Central Massachusetts’ Top Three Issues in Need of Major Improvement




They are particularly pleased with what’s happening in their schools. Seventy-one percent believe

that access to a quality K-12 education is not a problem, and 67% think that the state’s reform

efforts have begun to pay off in their own children’s schools.

The people of Central Massachusetts register fewer concerns with

the state’s policy issues than residents in other regions. Their main

focus is taxes. Forty-eight percent believe the amount the average

family has to pay needs major improvement. Other concerns include

the way the health care system is working and housing affordability,

although a full 71% of Central Massachusetts residents own their

own homes, as compared to 62% statewide.

Western Massachusetts: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden CountiesAccording to MassINC’s State of the American Dream in Massachu-

setts, 2002, job creation in the 1990s varied widely, and the western

part of Massachusetts lagged far behind other regions, increasing the

number of jobs by only 11 percent. Similarly, wages and salaries per

employee failed to keep pace with other parts of the state.

Given these challenges and the current economic climate, it’s not surprising that residents of

Western Massachusetts rank the state’s quality of life lower than any other region (39% see it as fair

or poor). If given the opportunity, one-third of all residents surveyed would move out of the state.

Jobs are on the minds of people living here. Forty-seven percent believe that the availability

of good-paying employment needs major improvement. Southeastern Massachusetts shares

this concern, but the number stands in stark contrast to the views of residents in Greater Boston

or Central Massachusetts.

Table 9A: Western Massachusetts’ Top Three Issues in Need of Major Improvement


The availability of good-paying jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47%


The personal financial situation of Western Massachusetts families is striking. The region’s in-

ability to attract and keep good jobs is clearly adding stress and uncertainty to its residents. Fully

40% say finances are their families’ biggest problem, which is double the number in Southeastern

Massachusetts and significantly more than in Central Massachusetts and Greater Boston. Forty-

two percent of Western Massachusetts families look at the past five years and see that it’s only getting

harder to maintain their standard of living. In fact, over one-third have taken on more debt than

they can handle and almost one-quarter report that they have maxed out their credit cards as well.


Chart 4A: Percentage of Massachusetts Residents WhoBelieve Quality of Education in Local Public Schools is NOT a Problem

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Greater Central Southeastern WesternBoston Mass. Mass. Mass.

48%

71%

52% 50%Per

cent

Planning for the future is not an option for many. One-third of Westerners report that they have

no money set aside for retirement.

THE STATE OF THE FAMILY: FINANCES AND THE FUTUREWhen asked how things are going in their own lives, Massachusetts residents respond favorably—

more favorably than they do when evaluating the overall quality of life in the state. Four out of

five (80%) say their quality of life is good to excellent, while just one in five (20%) rate it fair or poor.

In addition, a majority of residents say their personal quality of life is about the same (47%) or

better (37%) than it was five years ago.

At the same time, the survey uncovers two major issues troubling Massachusetts families—

personal finances and the affordability of a college education. There is deep concern among people

in every income bracket that their ability to maintain their standard of living is slipping away.

Further, there is a sense that their children’s ability to access the American Dream is fast becoming

compromised. The data suggest that these issues are driving their larger concerns about the state’s

affordability and their sense of urgency that state leaders work on solutions.

THE FINANCIAL PICTUREFully a third of state residents say that over the past five years, it has become more difficult for their

family to afford to live the kind of life they want. Indeed, over 40% of all respondents rank their

personal financial situation as either fair or poor. When forced to choose the single biggest prob-

lem facing their families, they rank financial worries at the top (25%). Other types of difficulties

are reported, but none comes close to financial anxiety:

Table 10A: The Biggest Problems Facing Massachusetts Residents and Families

Finances/Making ends meet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25%

Family or personal health problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8%

Job security/Low paying jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8%

High cost of living and housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7%

Economy/Recession/Business climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6%

Health care/Cost of insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6%

Many families are living close to the financial edge: One-quarter report having taken on more

debt than they can handle and almost one-quarter (24%) have no money set aside for emergencies


Chart 6A: Percentage of Massachusetts Residents Who

Have Taken on More Debt Than They Could Handle

50

40

30

20

10

0


Chart 5A: Percentage of Massachusetts Residents Who

Rate Finances/Not Enough Money/Making Ends Meet As

the Biggest Problem Facing Them and Their Families

50

40

30

20

10

0


22%28%

20%

40%

24% 21% 21%

36%

Per

cent

Per

cent

or retirement. Perhaps then, it’s not surprising that almost half of all people (47%) report that they

have experienced a lot of stress over the last five years due to money problems. While those most

troubled by financial woes are on the lower end of the socioeconomic scale, it’s also a middle class

and upper class phenomenon. High proportions of college graduates (42%), those with incomes

of $60,000–$100,000 (42%), and those who say they are in the middle class (38%) report simi-

larly high levels of financial stress.

The cost of living in Massachusetts is seen as a particularly heavy burden. Seventy-four per-

cent of residents report that the cost of living is at least somewhat of a problem in their lives. Half

of those who rate their quality of life as fair to poor think this is a big problem. Not surprisingly,

this is especially the case for the state’s lowest income residents. Almost half (47%) of those making

under $25,000 see the cost of living as a big problem for them and their families.

HIGHER EDUCATION AFFORDABILITYIf a person’s financial picture helps dictate the quality of one’s life, then higher education is the key

to enhancing that picture. Public K–12 education has long been seen as the pathway to opportu-

nity, but a college degree has become the new dividing line between those who make it to the mid-

dle class and those who spend their lives struggling to do so. Today’s global, skills-based economy

demands higher levels of education, and Massachusetts is on the cutting edge of these changes. As

MassINC’s past research has revealed, at least two years of higher education are needed to land a job

that will allow a family to maintain a middle class standard of living, and a four-year degree is fast

becoming a necessity.

The views of those surveyed bear this out.

College educated citizens report higher incomes

and greater satisfaction with their lives. Half rate

their personal quality of life as very good or excel-

lent, while the number drops to 43% among those

who have not finished college and drops to 31%

among those with no college education.

Parents understand this, which is why paying for

college is paramount in their minds. Eighty-six per-

cent say the state needs to improve higher education

affordability and 57% think it needs to make major

improvements. This is a pressing concern since

nearly 40% of parents report having no money in

the bank for their children’s college education.

PEOPLE TO WATCH: NEWCOMERS AND MOVERSTwo specific groups of people deserve special attention because of the important role they play in

the economic life of the state. We identify them as the “Newcomers,” those who have chosen to

move to Massachusetts in the last decade and the “Movers,” the 25% who have reported a desire

to leave the state if given the opportunity.

These two groups are disproportionately important to their relatively small numbers within

the overall population (6,379,304) because of the state’s near stagnant labor force growth. As


Chart 7A: Percentage of Massachusetts Parents Who Believe the Affordabilityof College Education Needs Improvement

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Major Some Satisfactory More Than Don’t Know/Improvement Improvement As Is Satisfactory Refused

57%

30%

11% 1% 2%

Per

cent

MassINC’s previous labor force research has shown, no worker can be taken for granted. While

the nation’s labor force grew by nearly 14% throughout the 1990s, the Massachusetts resident

labor force grew by less than 2%—the fourth lowest in the country.

This problem is partially explained by the fact that our state has been losing workers to other

states, even during the economic boom years of the late 1990s. Every year of that decade, more

people moved out of Massachusetts than moved into it. Even in 2000, the peak of the economic

boom, Massachusetts is estimated to have lost 20,000 people. Only foreign immigration kept the

state’s labor force number from an absolute decline.

Consequently, learning as much as we can about Newcomers and

Movers is central to both retaining and attracting a competitive labor force.

Who are they, and what about life in Massachusetts is working or not

working for them?

THE NEWCOMERSWhile the majority of residents surveyed have lived in Massachusetts for a

long time (47% have been here their entire lives, and 31% have lived here 20

years or more), 12% of the sample represents a new group of residents and an

important source of workers.

What is immediately striking is the youth and diversity Newcomers are

adding to Massachusetts communities. More than 70% are between the ages

of 18 and 40 years old, and over a third are nonwhite. Compared to lifelong

residents, they are more likely to be Hispanic or Asian, and nearly 40% are immigrants. Newcomers

also tend to be better educated. Sixty percent have at least a college degree—compared to only 28%

of lifelong residents.

As with the general population, Newcomers register a positive view of the state’s quality of life

and their own family’s situation. However, they express greater concern about their ability to

maintain and improve their lives in a state with high housing and living costs, and they are will-

ing to leave if necessary. Consider these facts:

� Three times as many Newcomers as established residents cite the high cost of living as the

biggest problem their families face (19% vs. 6%);

� Sixty-nine percent of Newcomers consider housing affordability to be an issue requiring

major improvement, while approximately half of long-time residents share that view. More

Newcomers rent than own (52% vs. 40%); and

� One-third say they would leave Massachusetts if given the opportunity—higher than the

one-quarter state average.

These are warning signs for state leaders from a population that is willing to give Massachusetts

a chance. Their current levels of satisfaction represent an opportunity to build support for policy

changes and capture Newcomers as lifetime workers and community members.

THE MOVERSUnlike Newcomers, Movers are far from satisfied with the quality of life in Massachusetts. More

than twice as many Movers as non-movers label it as either fair or poor (49% vs. 20%). And they


Chart 8A: Percentage of Massachusetts Residents

Who Possess at Least a College Degree by Years of

Residence

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

0-10 Years 11-20 Years 20+ Years/“The Newcomers” Lifelong Residents

60%

45%

28%

Per

cent

are more than three times as likely to think that life here is worse than in other parts of the

country (36% vs. 11%).

The subgroups most inclined to want to leave are young adults aged 18 to 29 (41%), people of

color (35%), renters (35%), and those who have lived in the state for 20 years or fewer (34%).

Importantly, there are significant levels of dissatisfaction among college graduates. One in five

expresses a desire to move, a particular concern given the state’s shortage of skilled workers.

The dominant concern for Movers is personal finances. Over half rate this aspect of their life

as either fair or poor. Forty-four percent say it’s become more difficult to afford the life they want.

They report feeling a lot of financial stress (58%); taking on more debt than they can handle (30%);

and maxing out their credit cards (24%). Half have no money set aside for their children’s edu-

cation and a third have nothing set aside for retirement.

Not surprising, then, when asked their main reason for wanting to leave, people cite “to go

somewhere with a lower cost of living or lower taxes.” Forty-one percent of Movers identify the

state’s cost of living as a big problem for their families, while only 26% of those who do not want

to leave Massachusetts share the same view.

Table 11A: Main Reasons Given by Residents Who Would Like to Move Out of Massachusetts

To go somewhere with a lower cost of living or lower taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27%

To go somewhere with better weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25%

To go somewhere less crowded or stressful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15%

To find better job opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8%

To be closer to family or friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7%

To try something new/For a change of scenery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5%

For a better school system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1%

Some other reason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%

Don’t Know/Refused . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2%

On almost every policy issue, Movers cite the need for major improvement in significantly

higher numbers than non-movers:

Table 12A: Movers vs. Non-Movers: Policy Areas in Need of Major Improvement

Issue Movers Non-Movers

Housing affordability 62% 50%

Roads and traffic situation 62% 45%

Amount of taxes an average family has to pay 59% 42%

The political system 54% 37%

Crime 39% 24%

K-12 education 34% 20%

Quality of the environment/Open spaces 27% 20%

Arts/Culture/Recreation 19% 11%

CONCLUDING THOUGHTSThe results presented by this survey offer a complex portrait of a population satisfied in general

terms with the quality of life in Massachusetts and with their own lives. But it is a fragile satisfaction.

Citizens are sending state leaders clear signals about what issues demand improvement throughout

the state, and they are reporting deep anxieties about their own immediate and future challenges.


This survey highlights distinctions among residents, many of which are drawn along class, race,

and geographic lines. But there is also remarkable consensus on many issues, a healthy indication

that change is possible with leadership. The respondents of this survey speak as individuals, but

also as a true commonwealth. Whether it is housing, health care, taxes, or education, we find con-

cerns with affordability and a struggle to maintain opportunity and upward mobility. Those pop-

ulations Massachusetts needs to attract and keep—specifically newcomers and young people—

are particularly worried.

Notably, parents lack confidence that their children will have the same access to success that they

had. An overwhelming number express concern that they won’t be able to afford to send their

children to the college of their choice, and many share similar concerns about their children’s abil-

ity to access good jobs. Data suggest that the generational compact—the expectation that chil-

dren will surpass their parents in achievement—may not be as strong as it once was.

It is our hope that these insights—and the repository of data they represent—provide leaders

in every sector with the tools they need to make more effective public policy decisions. This type

of survey may not offer solutions, but it points to where they might be found.

Importantly, there is strong evidence that the traditional components of the American Dream

continue to endure as benchmarks of satisfaction for Massachusetts families. Education and eco-

nomic opportunity are top priorities for citizens and the best indicators of a high quality of life.

Those who are thriving want these things secured for future generations, and those still struggling

want them for themselves and for their children. In that sense, the possibilities and the struggles

of a new century may well be defined by those of the old.


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